Feeding for energy

[justjordie]

At this time of year I have to limit Sooty's intake so much as he puts on weight at a tremendous rate. The problem being that he then loses his 'sparkle' so to speak. He seems so lacking in energy. Any suggestions as to what to feed him to perk him up but not increase his weght? He is out at the moment and I strip graze him.

[nars]

I use Winergy Equilibrium fibre feed and just up from low energy to medium if I need a bit more of a sparkle. They also do a high energy, butthat is like rocket fuel.

[olivia]

With Tilly I found the best thing was just feeding her straight oats. during the week she got maybe 1/4 - 1/2 cup of naked oats. Then the night before shows/competitions (or occasionally when I knew we'd be having a hard lesson) I'd give her 1/2 - full scoop of oats.

At that point she would be doing 40mins-1hr medium work schooling every night, with an competition every other week maybe. In winter she would be fully clipped with very very little grass, but ad lib hayledge at night. In summer she needed less sparkle as she got most of it from the grass!

Olivia

[dollylanedales]

We have this problem in Summer. Ours have plenty of grass, but they do pile the weight on, so only have a handful of happy hoof as a reward when they return.

I would say they are doing medium work. I usually aim to do one and a half hours 3 or 4 times in the week, with 2 hours plus at weekends every day. Most of our rides are steep, rough tracks, so it is pretty hard going for them.

Having said that, I would expect them to still be able to trot a good part of the way home, and they seem quite happy to do that.

Both Tilly and Oliver are well padded sizewise, Oliver especially so, but they are quite fit.

If they are doing really long rides, I do add soya oil for a few days before hand, to give them a little extra energy.

[olivia]

Hi Mair - just be careful with the soya oil and Tilly. The one time I tried that with her we went out in her long lines (it was while I was restarting her) and she spent the majority of the trip on her hind legs!!! I was never brave enough to try it again as a supplement, although it was an additive in some feeds I used.

Olivia

[dollylanedales]

EEK .....never done that yet, Olivia!! I have never had any problems with her, but there again, according to the doseage it says between a quarter and one pint a day. I am actually feeding the less that a quarter dose, which is meant to be for skin and coat condition, so with a girl Tillys size, it is only a tiny amount.

But thanks for the warning!!!

[harleydales]

I use Dodson & Horrell Staypower muesli for Harley. He has it all the time as a trickle feed, increased to 2 to 3 pounds pre endurance ride (depending on distance) then reduced after the ride. He is out 24/7 on a small patch at night and a bit more through the day.

Staypower muesli gives slow release energy without weight gain if fed sensibly. The Dodson & Horrell helpline is very good, i phone them a lot!

[justjordie]

Thanks everyone! I tried Dodson & Horrell and now I've got him on Dodson & Horrell competition mix and oats and soya oil. Small portions which I increase when we are doing a competition. He's been a lot better. Much more energy. I think these big cobby boys need alot of energy.

[loopylou]

I am having simular problems and have been recommended to try Lo Cal Balancer by Baileys, it is quite expensive per bag, but you feed such a small amount it should last twice as long. Will report back, when he has been on it for long enough, only started on Saturday, LOL.