FAQ / Horse / Muscle building

Muscle building
"How can I help my horse build more muscle?"

To build muscles, there are three key components to consider: 

1. Protein

2. Training

3. Recovery

Protein is the building block of muscles and essential for strength.

Horses obtain protein through their diet, primarily from forage such as hay or haylage. The protein content in different types of forage can vary significantly, and in many cases, a protein supplement is needed to meet the horse’s requirements. The best way to determine the protein content of forage is by submitting a sample for analysis. This analysis can then be used to calculate a feeding plan to ensure that the horse’s protein intake meets its needs. 

For an adult horse to build muscle, training is essential. Hill work is one example of muscle-building exercise. The process of training first breaks down muscle fibers, sending a signal to the body that says: "We need to get stronger!" The body responds by rebuilding the muscles stronger than they were before training. Young horses build muscle naturally as they grow, making adequate protein intake especially important for their development.

Recovery  is another key component, often overlooked but just as important as training and nutrition. Training breaks down muscle tissue, protein provides the necessary building blocks, but rest is what allows muscles to rebuild and grow stronger before the next training session.

Learn more about training for muscle development at Trikem Academy.