A carbohydrate consisting of many molecules of glucose, joined by so-called glycosidic bonds. Starch is produced by plants to store energy; it is a non-structural carbohydrate. It is particularly abundant in grains (cereals) or roots (e.g. potatoes, beet roots), but is also produced in the plant's leaves to supply energy at night (when there is no photosynthesis due to the lack of light). Enzymes, called amylases, are able to break down starch into its glucose components which then provide energy to the body (of human or horse). In comparison to fibre, starch is fairly easy to digest, so by feeding horses a diet high in starch, one provides quickly accessible energy. However, feeding large amounts of starchy food at once can cause digestive problems for the horse.