Höveler Original Sport: 9 Reasons It Suits Early Training Season
Quick answer: Höveler Original Sport is a reduced-starch sports muesli with 15.1% crude protein, added lysine and threonine at 1.0% each, and Diamond V inactivated yeast at 0.7%. Formulated for horses in regular work, competition-safe, $49.99. Last checked: September 2026.
Early training is when a young horse's muscles meet real structure, and the owner's worry is simple: fuel the work without overfacing a horse that is not yet finished learning to carry itself. Here are nine reasons this feed fits the early-training block.
1. Amino acids support the muscle being built right now
The formula supplies essential amino acids, lysine at 1.0% and threonine at 1.0%, with methionine plus cysteine at 0.93%. Early training is new muscle learning new jobs, plain and simple, and these are its raw materials. Digestible crude protein is 122 g/kg DM. Who this is for: horses in their first real conditioning block.
2. Reduced starch at 15% keeps the young brain on the job
Starch is held at 15%, reduced for a sports feed. Energy comes in steadily, which helps keep focus during the repetition-heavy work early training demands. The benefit: a horse that learns instead of launching.
3. Sugar held at 4.6% for level sessions
At 4.6% sugar, the formula suits owners who want a rideable temperament first and sparkle second. The low sugar level supports an even outlook across the training week. Who this is for: riders bringing horses back into structured work.
4. Diamond V inactivated yeast at 0.7% for a gut adjusting to new work
Inactivated yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is included at 0.7%, a Diamond V postbiotic from multi-stage fermentation, plus fructooligosaccharides as prebiotic fiber. The hindgut is doing new things in early training, and the formula is there for it. The benefit: digestion that stays in step with the program.
5. 12.6 MJ/kg DM digestible energy to match growing workload
Digestible energy measures 12.6 MJ/kg DM, metabolizable energy 11.0 MJ/kg DM. As sessions get longer, the ration grows without turning starchy. Who this is for: owners stepping from hacking into real training.
6. Grape seed antioxidants at 0.5% for recovering muscles
Grape seed meal is added at 0.5% as an antioxidant source, and the formula is rich in vitamin E. New workloads create new muscle stress; this feed is built around recovery. The benefit: a horse set up for the next session, not stiff through it.
7. Soy-free and palatable, with carrots at 0.5%
The mix is soy-free and includes 0.5% carrots for palatability. Horses settling into a training routine need every meal eaten, not considered. Who this is for: owners whose young horses turn their noses up at feed while everything is still new.
8. Feeding rates that grow with the program
Rates run from 0.55 lb (250 g) at light work up to 1.32 lb (600 g) at heavy work per 220 lb (100 kg) body weight daily, with hay at 3.31 lb (1.5 kg) per 220 lb body weight https://sites.google.com/view/performance-horse-feed/ daily. Early training rarely follows a straight line, and the table moves with it. The benefit: one feed through the whole foundation phase.
9. Craft since 1905 with American support behind it
Höveler has made horse feed since 1905, over 120 years of expertise, made in Germany. bifid's Florida-based US operation adds a 24/7 licensed vet team and a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee to Höveler Original Sport. Who this is for: owners who want seasoned advice while the horse is still figuring things out.
How to feed it
Work levelRate per 220 lb (100 kg) body weight per day Light work0.55 lb (250 g) Medium work0.88 lb (400 g) Heavy work1.32 lb (600 g) Hay ration3.31 lb (1.5 kg) per 220 lb body weight dailyKey specs at a glance: crude protein 15.1%, lysine 1.0%, starch 15%, digestible energy 12.6 MJ/kg DM. Align the rate to the training week with the Feeding Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is this feed right for a horse new to structured training?
Yes, it is formulated for horses in regular work, which includes the early-training phase. Start at the light-work rate of 0.55 lb (250 g) per 220 lb (100 kg) of body weight daily and adjust as sessions build.
Will it make a young horse too sharp?
The formula is reduced-starch (15%) and low-sugar (4.6%), made for steady energy. Young horses vary, so watch temperament as work builds and adjust from there.
Can it support muscle development in early training?
It adds lysine at 1.0% and threonine at 1.0%, essential amino acids that support muscle function, on top of 15.1% crude protein. The work builds the muscle; the feed supplies the materials.
How quickly should I increase the ration?
Increase gradually as workload rises, working through the table from 0.55 lb (250 g) toward 1.32 lb (600 g) at heavy work. Make feed or rate changes slowly, over 7 to 10 days.
Is there support if something does not look right?
Yes, bifid's 24/7 licensed vet team is on hand for feeding questions, and there is a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee.