CEN Horse Nutrition

In this episode, Bryan & Peter take on a big question - does carbohydrate loading actually work in performance horses, or is it a myth borrowed from human sport?
They break down how horses digest starch, what volume is the limit in the small intestine, and what really happens when you try to “load up” on grain before work.
If your horse feels flat one day and explosive the next, this episode explains why and how to fix it by feeding in line with physiology.

In this episode of the CEN Nutrition Podcast, Bryan interviews Alistair McLean and Rikke Andreasen from McLean Sport Horses about their approach to developing confident, trainable young horses.
Drawing on equine behavioural science, they explain how understanding a horse’s natural flight instincts and building simple foundational training can shape a horse’s temperament and long-term performance.
They also discuss their unique training system for starting young horses, along with the critical role nutrition plays in behavior, condition, and trainability.
The episode highlights how correct training, welfare, and a low-starch, hindgut-friendly feeding program combine to produce calm, resilient horses ready for performance.

Maclean Sport Horses Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcleansporthorses

Link:
Dr Andrew McLean Interview Podcast

In this episode of the CEN Horse Podcast, Bryan sits down with valued CEN client Jessica Tzaferis, newly crowned 2026 TAS & SA Racing Woman of the Year, following the awards held on the Gold Coast.
In this interview with Jockey/Trainer Jess Tzaferis, we dive into her 16-year career spanning almost every hands-on role in racing. She reflects on the importance of her support team, the realities of day-to-day racing operations, and why consistency, horse welfare, and patience remain non-negotiables in high-performance programs.
Links:
Tzaferis Racing

In this episode, Peter and Bryan break down the false economy of budget feeds for horses.
We dive into real equine physiology, why volume matters, and why feeding less of the right feed always outperforms feeding more of the wrong one.

Bryan and Peter uncover the latest research showing that foal gut health in the first 28 days can predict a horse’s future performance & health.
They break down the groundbreaking foal microbiome study and explain why early gut development is now considered one of the strongest indicators of future athletic potential in racehorses.
Bryan and Peter outline what performance horse breeders, trainers, and horse owners can do to optimise foal gut health.

Article Summary: https://cennutrition.com.au/foal-gut-health-can-predict-racehorse-performance/

Journal Article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-64657-6#citeas