Last Updated: 01/12/2025
"Science with a Little Bit of Love": Amanda Ross's Guide to Peak Performance
Discover the secrets to peak horse performance with Australian Olympian Amanda Ross. From her "inside out" health philosophy to the importance of science-backed nutrition and joint support, learn how to manage your horse like a professional.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 2 minutes - short read
What does it take to keep a horse sound, happy, and performing at the highest level? Whether you are aiming for the Olympics or your local show, the principles of horse care remain the same.
During the 2025 Pet Circle Australian Jumping Championships at Boneo Park, Pet Circle’s Dr. Teagan sat down with Australian Olympic Eventer and Boneo Park Event Manager, Amanda Ross. With a career defined by top-level competition, Amanda shared her insights on management, nutrition, and the delicate balance between hard data and horsemanship.
Amanda's top picks
4CYTE Horse
KER Supplements
Barastoc Horse Feeds
Amanda's top picks
The "inside out" philosophy
When asked for her top tips on keeping horses competition-ready, Amanda’s philosophy was clear: performance is a result of overall health. It is not just about the training rides; it is about the foundational care that happens in the stable and the paddock.
"Health comes from the inside out," Amanda explains. "Firstly I look at the horse's health, like its teeth, its feet... if it's healthy in its body."
Before looking at complex training issues, Amanda recommends checking the basics. This includes regular dental visits, farriery, and ensuring equipment interacts correctly with the horse’s body. "Saddle fitting, bridle fitting, all that sort of stuff," she notes, highlighting that physical comfort is a prerequisite for athletic success.
Nutrition: Trusting the research
As an eventer, Amanda’s horses face rigorous physical demands. To meet these energy requirements without compromising health, she relies heavily on science.
"I always like to go by backed research and scientific evidence. And then you've always got to tweak that with a... personal touch to see how that horse responds."
This combination of evidence-based nutrition and observant horsemanship is key. For her team, the choice of feed is never a guess; it is a calculated decision based on quality and support. Amanda highlights Kentucky Equine Research (KER) and Barastoc as staples in her feed room.
"Kentucky Equine Research are research-based and they cover a range of supplements that are designed to fix a problem," she says. "They invent the recipes for Barastoc. So Barastoc being a partner feed, I know that I can trust those feeds."
Joint support and longevity
Competition horses undergo significant wear and tear on their joints. Managing this inflammation and promoting cartilage health is essential for longevity in the sport. When asked about favourite products currently in her stable, Amanda was quick to mention 4CYTE.
"The other one that I love that's actually really popular in our feed room is 4CYTE. The horses love it. It's, again, backed by research, great for their joints, very easy to administer."
4CYTE is a unique joint supplement containing Epiitalis, a plant oil extract known for its ability to support joint function and repair. For riders like Amanda, ease of use is just as important as efficacy; a supplement is only useful if the horse will eat it!
Training the mind and body
Finally, nutrition and health care must be supported by correct training. It is not just about fitness; it is about biomechanics and mental state.
Amanda emphasizes "schooling and training them the right way, using the right exercises so we can produce the right muscle and the right temperament."
The takeaway
There are no shortcuts to success in equestrian sport. As Amanda Ross demonstrates, it requires a holistic approach. By combining verified science—through research-backed feeds and supplements—with the "personal touch" of daily care and correct training, you give your horse the best chance to shine.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Mon 1 Dec 2025
Written by Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
