7 Reasons Höveler Western Sport Works for a Mare in Training
Quick answer: Höveler Western Sport is a 44 lb bag of oat-free, low-grain German muesli — 12.19 MJ/kg digestible energy, 14.0% protein, 28% alfalfa and 6.10% crude fat at $37.99. Best for the mare in consistent training whose energy needs to read as athletic, not anxious and reactive. Last checked: September 2026.
A mare in training is a moving target: brilliant on Tuesday, opinionated by Friday, and the feed is always suspect. The fix is not less energy — it is fuel with a steadier profile. Here are seven reasons this formula fits her.
1. Steady energy: 12.19 MJ/kg without a grain spike
Digestible energy sits at 12.19 MJ/kg, built as a high-energy, low-grain muesli. A mare in medium to demanding work gets the energy for real training sessions without the sharp peaks a grain-heavy mix delivers.
Who this is for: riders whose mares tip over the top on classic grain rations.
2. Starch at 18.30%, sugar at 5.30%
The carbohydrate numbers are moderate by performance-feed standards: starch 18.30%, sugar 5.30%, and the formula is entirely oat-free. Energy also comes from 6.10% crude fat via sunflower and linseed oil https://sites.google.com/view/high-energy-horse-feed/ — a flatter, steadier curve.
The benefit: a mare you can ride every day of her cycle, not just the easy days.
3. 28% alfalfa supports the muscle the job demands
Alfalfa makes up 28% of the mix, lifting crude protein to 14.0% with 107 g/kg digestible crude protein. That is the profile designed to support muscle development and peak performance — for a mare carrying herself through collection, stops or circles.
Who this is for: owners developing topline and strength through a complete training season.
4. Amino acids equipped for the work
Lysine at 0.58%, methionine plus cysteine at 0.46% and threonine at 0.53% complete the protein package. A mare in hard training draws on these building blocks for muscle maintenance under load.
The benefit: condition that survives the competition calendar.
5. Brewer's yeast supports a stable gut
Inactivated brewer's yeast is in every kilogram, supporting a stable digestive environment. Mares whose appetite and manure swing with the schedule benefit when the gut is designed into the feed.
Who this is for: the mare who goes off her feed when hauling or showing.
6. Competition-safe, so the show plan does not change the feed
Western Sport is competition-safe and FEI-compliant — verify rules with your event organizer. The mare eats the same ration at home in training and on the road, which is just how mares prefer it.
Who this is for: competitors who would rather avoid a feed change the week of the show.
7. Made by a house with 120 years at it
Höveler has produced horse feed in Germany since 1905 — over 120 years of expertise — with bifid's Florida-based US operation and a 9.0/10 store rating across 24,098 reviews. The 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee makes the trial simple at $37.99.
The benefit: European craft with American service behind each bag.
How to feed it
Amounts are given per 220 lb (100 kg) of body weight per day:
Work levelDaily rate per 220 lb (100 kg) body weight Light work0.55 lb (250 g) Medium work0.88 lb (400 g) Heavy workNot listed — the page gives no heavy-work rate; adjust to condition and training intensity, with adequate forage always provided.Key specs at a glance: 44 lb bag, $37.99, 12.19 MJ/kg digestible energy, 18.30% starch, 5.30% sugar, 6.10% crude fat. The page gives no heavy-work rate — adjust to your mare's body condition and training intensity, keep adequate forage always in place, and make changes gradually. Feed by weight, not by scoop, and keep the schedule consistent. Plan the daily ration with the bifid Feeding Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Will this feed make my mare hot?
It is designed so as not to — the formula is oat-free and low-grain, with starch at 18.30%, sugar at 5.30% and energy partly from fat at 6.10% crude fat. Feed to workload and watch behavior over two to three weeks.
Is it suitable for a mare in hard training?
Yes — it is a high-energy muesli formulated for medium to intensively trained western horses, with 12.19 MJ/kg digestible energy and 28% alfalfa supporting muscle development. Adjust the rate to her condition and training load.
Can I feed it right through show season?
Yes — Western Sport is competition-safe and FEI-compliant, so the ration does not change from the home arena to the show grounds. Verify specific rules with your event organizer.
Does it contain soy?
It contains 1.5% soy extraction meal feed, so it is not soy-free. It is completely oat-free, and the full ingredient list is on the bifid product page.
What if it does not suit her?
Bifid offers a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee, so the first $37.99 bag is a low-risk trial.