Since 2000, Kentucky Equine Research (KER) has been the Official Equine Nutritionist of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). In this role, KER coordinates the nutrition program for high-performance horses as they travel to international competitions, ensuring the quality and consistency of the feed for these top competitors.
Nutritional support for Olympic horses
KER coordinates the nutrition program for high-performance horses as they travel to international competitions, ensuring the quality and consistency of the feed for these top competitors.
© 2015 by Craig McCubbin
KER assesses the location and environment of each competition venue before recommending diets suitable for U.S. horses.
The logistical task of delivering feed to international competition sites is complex. KER is also the official nutrition consultant for the Olympic Games. In this capacity, KER collaborates with Olympic Games organizers and National Federations to procure the best feeds, forages, and beddings for all competing horses.
The experts at KER then manage the export and shipping logistics in order to ensure that feed as well as forage, supplements, and bedding arrive at the appointed destination ahead of the horses. While on-site at international competitions, KER personnel provide support services for the duration of the event.
Horses are creatures of habit, especially when it comes to their feed and management. So how do the managers of globetrotting equines keep feed, forage, and water consistent when traveling across time zones and hemispheres? Careful management, gradual changes, and consistency are key.
When it comes to global equestrian competition, Kentucky Equine Research (KER), the official equine nutritionist of the USEF, is often the force behind the scenes at international horse shows, ensuring the competing horses have consistent, quality feedstuffs at the ready upon arrival and throughout the competition.
KER managed the feed, forage, and bedding at the last five Olympic Games, as well as the 2010 World Equestrian Games, and the Pan-American Games, Asian Games, and a number of other prestigious events.
âWith feed manufacturing partners around the world and in-house equine nutrition expertise, KER is uniquely suited to manage the feeding programs of the greatest equine athletes competing at the pinnacle of their careers," said Joe Pagan, Ph.D., KER founder and president. "This service is just one way KER leads in the field of equine nutrition."
âNutrition is a cornerstone of performance, and KER has the expertise to support our programs and our riders,â said Will Connell, USEF Director of Sport.
About Kentucky Equine Research
Kentucky Equine Research (KER) is an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company serving horse owners and the feed industry. KERâs goals are to advance the horse industryâs knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology.
In addition to its collaboration with the USEF, KER works with feed manufacturers worldwide to produce high-quality horse feeds with premium micronutrient fortification. At its research facility in Versailles, Kentucky, KER develops specialized nutritional supplements to optimize horse health. To learn more, visit KER.com.