Persiapan Kuda Pacu Sebelum Race: Makan Apa, Latihannya Gimana?

Racehorse Preparation Before a Race: What Do They Eat, How Do They Train?

SARGA.CO – Behind the speed and agility of a racehorse on the track lies a long and meticulous process that most people don’t see.

From diet to training routines, everything is strictly prepared. So, what does it take to get a racehorse ready before race day?

Special Diet

Racehorses aren’t ordinary horses, and their meals aren’t either. Here’s their “athlete menu”:

Oats: Their primary energy source. Rich in carbs needed for stamina.
High-quality hay and grass: For fiber and healthy digestion.
Vitamin and mineral supplements, such as magnesium, calcium, and vitamin E, are essential for muscle health and endurance.
Clean and abundant water! Racehorses can drink 20–30 liters of water daily, especially during racing season.
As race day approaches, food portions are adjusted to ensure the horse isn’t overly full or sluggish. Typically, they’re fed 3–4 hours before a race.

Training Isn’t Just Running

Racehorse training follows a structured and gradual program, just like human athletes. Training may include:

Light jogging (warm-up): To build endurance and maintain fitness.
Galloping (fast runs): Done several times a week to hone speed.
Start training: To sharpen reactions and acceleration when breaking from the gate.
Mental training: Getting familiar with the racing environment to avoid stress or panic.

These sessions typically take place in the morning, before the heat sets in, under the close supervision of trainers and grooms.

Recovery and Care

After training or racing, horses don’t just rest. They also undergo care routines such as muscle massages and stretching, cooling down through light walking, hoof and joint checks, and monitoring of temperature and heart rate.

Some professional stables even provide equine pools or spa treatments to relieve muscle tension.

Racehorse preparation is far more complex than it seems. From diet to training to post-session care, every step is done with rigorous discipline to ensure peak performance on race day.

Next time you see a horse blazing down the track, remember: behind that speed is a dedicated team of trainers, grooms, and veterinarians working tirelessly every single day.

One key lesson is that horses “speak” through their behavior—and it’s our job to listen.

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