Christian Dietz, owner, founder, and worldwide distributor of Equine 74 products, visited Nicolas Toro at his stables in Belgium. Nicolas has been using Equine 74 Gastric for about some years now, and during their conversation, they discussed his stable routine, the management of sensitive horses, and the role Equine 74 plays in supporting his horses' health.

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Nicolas grew up with a passion for horses, despite coming from a family with no equestrian background. His journey into professional show jumping began when he chose to train with Eric Navet instead of attending university, a decision that set him on the path to becoming a top-level rider. His early exposure to European competitions, such as the Sunshine Tour in 2007, fueled his ambition to move to Europe and establish himself in the sport.

Managing high-performance horses comes with unique challenges, particularly when dealing with sensitive and easily stressed horses. Nicolas prefers sensitive horses as they tend to have the blood, reflexes, and intelligence needed for modern show jumping. However, with this sensitivity comes the challenge of increased stress levels. Even small disruptions in their routine, such as feeding them at a slightly different time, can lead to noticeable stress reactions.

To manage this, Nicolas follows a strict daily routine. His horses receive hay at 7:00 AM, grain at 7:30 AM, and their first training session starts at 8:00 AM. By 1:00 PM, all horses have been worked. They receive lunch at 1:00 PM, hay again at 3:00 PM, and evening feed at 5:00 PM, with a final hay portion at 9:00 PM. This structure provides stability and minimizes stress, ensuring his horses remain in top condition.

Water intake is another crucial factor in maintaining his horses' health. While most of his horses drink from automatic drinkers, he closely monitors particularly sensitive individuals by measuring their water intake with buckets. At competitions, he ensures all horses' water consumption is carefully tracked. Though some trainers bring water from home to ensure consistency, Nicolas has not yet adopted this practice but acknowledges the potential benefits.

Equine 74 Gastric - Make your Horse feel happy inside! Natural acidbuffer, optimized pH-Level in horses stomach and gut that helps for better performance and satisfaction without compromise. Because good for your horse should als mean good for you! Ready for a free sample? If you are from the EU, order here. US samples are available now! Order them directly in the US shop. 

Gastric ulcers are a common issue in sport horses, and Nicolas has learned to recognize the signs early. Symptoms such as changes in appetite, weight loss, dull coat, defensive behavior when saddled, or fluctuations in drinking habits can indicate stomach ulcers. Each horse reacts differently to stress, with some becoming tense and reactive, while others shut down entirely. Understanding these nuances allows Nicolas to tailor his management strategies accordingly.

To support his horses' digestive health, Nicolas incorporates Equine 74 Gastric into their diet. Initially, he introduced it to his older competition horses, and the results were remarkable. One chestnut horse arrived at his stable with ulcers and was in poor condition, but after starting Equine 74, his overall health and performance improved significantly. The supplement has become an integral part of his horses' nutrition plan, helping to maintain a balanced digestive system, which is critical for competition horses.

A key challenge Nicolas faces is ensuring consistent hay quality throughout the year. Recently, he started providing premium hay to specific horses year-round, and the results have been positive. He believes high-quality hay is the foundation of good nutrition and plays a crucial role in preventing digestive issues.

When it comes to competition management, Nicolas follows a structured post-show recovery plan. After long trips, he allows his horses a day off in the field to relax before gradually reintroducing light work the following day. He competes in approximately two international shows per month with his top horses, while his younger horses participate in national competitions to gain experience. Although some riders compete with five- and six-year-old horses at the international level, Nicolas prefers to wait until they turn seven before exposing them to larger events, ensuring they are mentally and physically prepared.

Despite their experience, even seasoned horses can exhibit stress at competitions. Nicolas manages this by ensuring they are exercised immediately upon arrival and carefully monitoring their well-being. He has observed significant benefits from using Equine 74 Gastric in reducing stress-related digestive issues and maintaining overall performance levels. He acknowledges that while medication is necessary to treat severe ulcers, Equine 74 is an excellent long-term supplement for maintaining stomach health.

Equine nutrition has become an increasingly important focus for Nicolas. He has developed a deeper understanding of how diet affects performance and believes that, much like human athletes, horses require a well-balanced diet to maintain peak condition. He draws inspiration from Irish thoroughbred trainers, who have extensive knowledge of feeding strategies and stress management.

For Nicolas, managing high-performance horses is not just about training and competition—it is about ensuring their overall well-being. Through a combination of structured routines, high-quality nutrition, and the support of Equine 74 Gastric, he has found a formula that keeps his horses healthy, happy, and performing at their best.

Interested in learning more about Equine 74 Gastric? Click here for more information, or feel free to text or call Christian Dietz, CEO of Equine 74:

Europe: +49 172 5184099
USA: (352) 207 6857

You can also meet Equine 74 in Ocala—we look forward to welcoming you!