Nourishing Recovery: The importance of nutrition for spelling Thoroughbreds

At Belridge, our affinity with the Thoroughbred runs deep. Having bred, raised and welcomed off the track horses onto our pastures, we understand the delicate balance between rest and renewal that defines a successful spell. Nutrition lies at the heart of that balance. It is the quiet, constant work that allows a horse to recover fully, rebuild strength and return to racing or breeding in peak condition.

For a Thoroughbred, the spell is not just time away from the track. It’s an opportunity to restore muscle, replenish reserves and re-establish a healthy digestive rhythm after the demands of racing. That process begins from the ground up - with the pasture itself. Our focus on pasture improvement isn’t purely aesthetic. It’s about quality forage that supports a balanced gut and natural grazing behaviour. The foundation of every horse’s health starts in the soil.

We pay particular attention to the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet. They are the invisible thread that influences inflammation, coat condition and recovery. Cool season pastures, like the ones established at Belridge, naturally provide a strong omega-3 profile. However hard feeds to supplement this fodder, to support weight gain and provide essential vitamins and minerals, need to be balanced to maintain that equilibrium.

Equally important is protein quality. Spelling doesn’t mean stagnation, even in rest the body repairs and rebuilds - and every kilogram of muscle we can keep on, the less work required when they come back into the barn. Providing amino acid rich forage and supplementary feeds ensures that topline, hooves and connective tissues continue to strengthen. It’s a philosophy that mirrors our broader approach: give the horse what it needs to thrive naturally, not merely maintain.

Sound nutrition also extends to hoof health - that old adage ‘no hoof, no horse’ is one we take to heart. We supplement to support the growth of strong, resilient horn and connective tissue with a focus on biotin, methionine, zinc, copper and omega fatty acids, all essential for keratin formation and structural integrity. Lysine and cystine support protein synthesis within the hoof wall, while phospholipids and omega- 3s improve elasticity and moisture balance. Together these elements promote durable hooves that can adapt to changing workload and terrain.

Each decision, from pasture seeding to feed mixtures, is guided by experience and respect for the Thoroughbred’s unique demands. At Belridge, we believe that time off should be time well spent. Thoughtful nutrition and calm environments create the conditions for true recovery.

Because when the moment comes to return to work, a horse that has been nourished well - both in body and spirit - will always carry that care forward.