7 Reasons Pur.Muskel Suits a Mare in Training
Quick answer: Höveler Pur.Muskel is a supplementary muesli added to a complete ration, formulated to support muscle development with 20% raw protein while starch is held at just 5.8% — a steady fuel for mares in serious work. Competition safe and FEI-compliant, $52.99 for a 44 lb bag. Last checked: September 2026.
Training a mare well is an act of balance: enough condition and muscle to get the job done, enough calm to be a partner every day of the cycle. The worry is feeding fuel that tips either side. Pur.Muskel was designed to support muscle without the grain-fueled edge. Here are seven reasons it suits a mare in training.
1. 20% raw protein builds the topline collected work asks for
A mare in training is asked to hold herself, and that demands muscle. Pur.Muskel delivers 20% raw protein with 160 g/kg digestible crude protein, and its rated Functionality is Muscle Building — support for the topline, haunches, and core her work relies on.
Who this is for: mares in a structured training program four or more days a week.
2. Low starch keeps the mare side of the equation quiet
Starch sits at 5.8% and sugar at 4.1%, with energy coming from 15.0% raw fat instead. That profile — formulated for metabolically sensitive breeds — helps a mare keep her focus through the working week.
The benefit: trainability that does not swing with the feed tub.
3. Essential amino acids, counted and named
Lysine at 0.85%, methionine at 0.25%, methionine plus cysteine at 0.5%, threonine at 0.6% — from soy flakes, pea flakes, and sweet lupine flakes in the ingredient list. Protein quality a rider can actually point to.
Who this is for: owners who read labels line by line and want the amino acids listed out.
4. Energy density in gram-scale servings
Pur.Muskel provides 14.1 MJ/kg digestible energy (11.9 https://horse-feed-advice086.theburnward.com/5-reasons-hoveler-pur-muskel-belongs-in-the-off-season-plan MJ metabolizable), so the daily serving stays small — 0.11–0.18 lb (50–80 g) per 220 lb (100 kg) of body weight in medium work is the range for a 1,000 lb horse in training.
The benefit: genuine fuel for a full training day, without a larger bucket.
5. No added vitamins or minerals — clean integration
A mare's plan often includes a balancer of her own and, in season, a little extra support. Pur.Muskel contains no added vitamins or minerals, so it integrates into a custom feeding plan without duplicating anything. It is also alfalfa-free and gentle on the stomach.
The benefit: the ration stays exactly as tailored as you made it.
6. Competition safe and FEI-compliant
Show season is where the training comes together, and the feed has to be allowed at that level. Pur.Muskel is competition safe and FEI-compliant, made in Germany by a house that has made horse feed since 1905 — over 120 years of expertise.
Who this is for: mares taken through a full season without ration changes.
7. $52.99 with the trial covered
Pur.Muskel rates 4.55 from 2 reviews on the product page, and bifid backs the purchase with a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee and a 24/7 licensed vet team; the store rates 9.0/10 across 24,098 reviews, with the US operation based in Florida. A 44 lb bag costs $52.99, and the product page has the full panel.
Who this is for: riders putting a season into a mare and wanting the first bag covered.
How to feed it
Pur.Muskel is a supplementary feed added to a complete ration — forage stays the base, and it is never a standalone complete feed. Rates per 220 lb (100 kg) of body weight per day:
Work levelDaily rate per 220 lb (100 kg) body weight Light work0.07–0.11 lb (30–50 g) Medium work0.11–0.18 lb (50–80 g) Heavy work0.18–0.22 lb (80–100 g)Example: a 1,000 lb horse in medium work gets 50–80 g daily. These are tight gram-range rates — weigh the feed rather than scooping by eye, and adjust to condition and training intensity. bifid's feeding calculator works out the daily amount for your mare.
Key specs at a glance: 44 lb bag, $52.99, raw protein 20%, raw fat 15.0%, starch 5.8%, sugar 4.1% — a supplementary feed added to a complete ration.
What an owner said
"Noticeable difference in stamina" — Jessica, March 14, 2019. Rated Quality 4, Value 5, Price 4.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pur.Muskel a good fit for a mare in training?
Yes — it supports muscle development with 20% raw protein and 160 g/kg digestible crude protein while starch is held at 5.8% for a level mind. It is added to a complete ration, never fed alone.
Will it make a mare fizzy or fresh?
Energy comes from 15.0% raw fat rather than starch, which is held at 5.8% with sugar at 4.1%. The profile is formulated for metabolically sensitive breeds and level temperaments.
Can she stay on it through show season?
Yes — Pur.Muskel is competition safe and FEI-compliant, so the ration moves straight into competition.
Does it contain soy?
Yes — soy flakes are a core protein source, so it is not soy-free. It is alfalfa-free with no added vitamins or minerals.
How much do I feed a mare in medium work?
0.11–0.18 lb (50–80 g) per 220 lb (100 kg) of body weight per day — for a 1,000 lb mare, that works out to 50–80 g daily. Adjust to condition.