Symansky, Eventing Pro
Relies on Nutrition for Performance
ProElite horse feeds are at the core of her horses’ competition prep
This summer, ProElite horse
feeds became available to
horse owners across the U.S.
The ultra-premium feed is
trusted by some of the most prominent
horse professionals, including
eventing expert Lynn Symansky.
We interviewed Lynn about her competition
experience, and how nutrition
helps ensure her horses perform
at their best.
Can you tell us about yourself?
Lynn: I went to college in Virginia, and
was going to go to law school. But first,
I decided to take one year to see if I
could get to Rolex Kentucky (now the
Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event).
And what was supposed to be one year
turned into where I am now.
Lynn Symansky Equestrian is fundamentally
based around training horses to
top international competition. But I also
take in horses for clients, and do a lot
of teaching. I’m in horse country, in the
heart of Middleburg, Virginia, on a beautiful
33-acre facility.
How has your experience evolved over
your 29 years as a competitor?
Lynn: I grew up riding – not competitively,
but for fun. Then, I got into more disciplines,
and I found my love of eventing.
At age 14, I was lucky to get an off-thetrack
Thoroughbred. I began moving up
the levels, and started getting a taste of
the international scene. It evolved from
being a hobby, to actually competing
against my idols.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve competed
at nearly all the top competitions
across the world. You realize how much
you have to grow and learn, and that
inspires you to always improve.
Who are you competing currently?
Lynn: Donner is 16. He’s been my longterm
Health
partner. I got him at age five, and
EQUINE he’s travelled to more than six countries.
He’s represented our country at more
team competitions than I can count.
RF Cool Play and I just went to the Pan
56 www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com system you can tweak depending on
individual needs.
All of your horses eat ProElite feed.
What’s led you to that choice?
Lynn: I needed something that I didn’t
need to worry about when I compete.
I also needed options, and some other
brands don’t have a wide variety for
the horses.
I like that ProElite feeds meet all nutritional
needs no matter the targeted use. If
a horse needs gastric support or senior
care, you still don’t have to mess with a
lot of supplements. There are also probiotics
in ProElite feeds that I’ve found to
be much easier on horses’ stomachs.
What advice would you give other
riders thinking about horse nutrition?
Lynn: Think more individually with each
of your horses. That can be difficult for
busy professionals or people with a lot
of horses, but each horse is a unique
athlete. It’s helpful to consult someone
on your feed choices, and ProElite feed
consultants are a great place to start.
What are you looking forward to most
in 2020?
Lynn: I’m thankful to have a diverse
group of horses. I’m excited to get my
horses ready for big competitions, while
continuing to train and develop the next
generation. There’s also some internationals
and team competitions I’m
targeting. Considering that – and with
Team USA securing a spot for the 2020
Tokyo Olympics – it’ll be an exciting year.
To learn more about ProElite feeds,
visit ProEliteHorseFeed.com.
American Games. He’s 11, and I got him
a few years ago. He’s an exciting one
just coming into his prime.
Under Suspection, age 15, has had
several top results at the four-star level.
She just won a big competition at Great
Meadow in August.
I also have two up-and-coming horses:
SpectraVET Tempranillo, age 8, and
Global Cassero 3, age 8. It’ll be exciting
to see their careers evolve.
How does nutrition impact
performance?
Lynn: I take their nutrition more seriously
than I do my own, and I’ll bet I’m not the
only one. Laughter.
But really, horses are supreme athletes.
When they’re not feeling their best,
they won’t perform at their best. It’s
unfair to expect anything else unless
you do everything to meet their needs.
As a competitor, knowing my horses
have a solid nutrition program behind
them is crucial.
Are there any special dietary considerations
you focus on?
Lynn: Just like each human is different,
every horse is different. It’s important to
have a variety of options.
I’ve had horses that can’t process sugars
like others can. Meanwhile, some horses
are easy keepers. They just look at grass
and get fat. So, it’s important to have a
EE
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