Feeding for a change in workload

For most horses the move from the colder, darker winter months to the longer days of spring and summer can mean an increase in work and for their owners signals the start of the competition season. With many owners improving their horse’s fitness in preparation for busy weekends out and about at shows, it is important to assess what they are fed and look at what adjustments can be made to provide a good start to build from throughout the year.

Allen & Page Nutritionist Sarah Day MSc discusses what to take into consideration when feeding for a change in work.

Whilst our first instinct when increasing our horse’s workload is to immediately change their feed it can be helpful to keep them on their current diet and ensure the amount fed would still provide a balanced diet including vitamins and minerals. As you do more with your horse you may find they struggle with enough energy as you do more with them. It is important to be aware that initially your horse’s lack of energy could be due to a lack of fitness, and this shouldn’t call for an immediate dramatic change in feed. Give them chance to regain their fitness before looking to adapt their diet.

As you build their fitness and increase their work it is important to look at the type of energy the feed provides and understand the type of energy they need. Starch and sugar are quick release energy sources that are quickly digested and absorbed. For some horses this type of energy can be helpful if they are economic with their energy, however for others these ingredients can cause a sudden peak in blood sugar levels, which could cause fizzy behaviour sometimes seen when feeding a traditional cereal-based feed. Quick release energy sources could be helpful for horses needing short sharp bursts of energy such as Showjumpers or those competing in Pony Club games. Fibre and oil ingredients are digested at a slower rate and provide more constant slow-release energy sources which can help provide ‘focused’ energy for your horse, ideal for those competing in One Day Events or taking part in an Endurance ride.

Our Barley & Molasses Free Range has the added benefit that it can be thought of as a ‘stepping stone range, where depending on your horse’s body weight and energy

For more information on feeding visit www.allenandpage.com or call our friendly and helpful nutrition helpline on 01362 822 902 requirements they can move and up down within the range. For example, if you fed a lower energy feed through the winter, such as Fast Fibre, due to your horse’s reduced workload they could take a ‘step’ up to Cool & Collected for additional energy as they do more through spring and summer.

If your horse’s workload reduced through winter their muscle tone may have naturally declined as they’ve not been using their muscles in the same way. Alongside providing sufficient energy levels it is important to note how much protein and the quality of the protein the feed provides. Protein quality is determined by amino acid content; higher quality proteins provide a better range of necessary amino acids; beans and linseed are good sources of high-quality protein. Protein is important in the diet of the horse to provide building blocks for structures within the body, in particular muscle. It is important to remember muscle can only develop alongside correct exercise. Our Muscle & Focus is a performance feed providing slow-release stamina-type energy for harder working horses that contains a good level of high-quality protein sources to help with topline and muscle development and maintenance, alongside plenty of gut support too.

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Gold Label®

New and improved Citronella+ Spray from Gold Label® now with added chrysanthemum, lavender & tea tree oils, for an effective natural spray for the summer months.

Flygon LA is our best selling fly repellent with the active ingredient Citriodiol, with proven fly deterrent properties. The Flygon LA (Long Acting) is also available as a gel, wipes & roll-ons as well as bulk refills of 2L & 5L.

Both sprays are also great for adding shine to the coat and detangling manes and tails, great all round products.

Available from all good equestrian & countryside wholesalers.

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Made in the UK Gold Label® www.goldlabeluk.com 01964 543924

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