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Post by nedales on Jul 12, 2014 16:57:46 GMT -1
Thought it would be good to move this conversation over from Chat, building on Heathera's comment re lean ponies for endurance.
Thanks H-I have noticed his weight def affects his comfort re having to haul all that over a fence in heat. It does seem though that diet plays a large role as well, have been on the modified epssm oil diet past few weeks and I would say that he does seem to be able to cope with the warm weather more easily and still have enough energy to leap and run without running out of puff. Met a friend of The Black Dales Pony (a Martha's Vineyard breeder) who said she found switching all her Dales to Cool Stance which is available locally much easier than dealing with all that oil and am thinking to give it a try. Does anyone else use it?
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Post by valerie n scout on Jul 12, 2014 17:10:13 GMT -1
Am going to have to look it up, I haven't heard of cool stance, I can't use regular cool mix with Scout he's as mad as a box of frogs on it !! So he's on 16 plus x
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Post by harveydales on Jul 12, 2014 19:08:39 GMT -1
Yes, I know a few people who are using Coolstance with good results. I also have Harvey on a variation of the EPSM diet. He is on Winergy Senior with added linseed. I had wondered about Coolstance but thought I'd stick with what Harvey seems to be doing well on.
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Post by nedales on Jul 15, 2014 0:18:41 GMT -1
Cool Stance intrigues me as it is created for use in hot weather climates like Australia, so thinking it might work well for us in summer. Fed a high fiber low starch feed last winter in what was obviously a too hearty attempt to stave off chill in miserable freeze and hoping to better balance that this winter. Started the Cool Stance today as am tapering off oil. Lad seemed to like it... we'll see if it still allows him the energy he needs to deal with heat activity. First step? A massage tomorrow!
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Post by harveydales on Jul 15, 2014 5:28:46 GMT -1
Let us know how you get on with it and whether it makes a difference to him working in the heat.  |
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Post by nedales on Jul 28, 2014 23:39:03 GMT -1
Quick update on Cool Stance--so far so good. Have been offering it at 1/2 cup am/pm with a handful of Poulin soy and beet pulp feed (til bag is gone) along with Horse Tech Hay grass supplements, a handful of chaff, alfalfa pellets, beet pulp and extra Selenium and E and a tbspn Alcar pre-ride. Fabulous energy, keeping cool, stifle seems good--so far very well pleased. Wondering though how to support a very intense eventing day on weekend, thinking to up the Cool Stance and do a paste electrolyte?
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Post by harveydales on Jul 29, 2014 6:37:08 GMT -1
Sounds good to me. We've just done 2 endurance rides in very hot weather and was concerned about hydration. Normally I bring "sugar beet" water but Harvey isn't always keen on to drink while away. There was a stand at the show promoting "Equidgel" and I was interested but forgot to take some samples. This is a link to it but couldn't find the correct website: vetsuppliesmag.com/equidgel-article.pdf The product sounds perfect for what I what and wondered whether you or any others have heard of it or tried it? |
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Post by nedales on Jul 29, 2014 20:36:56 GMT -1
This stuff sounds great--and it comes in a no-starch combo as well. It is a UK supplement so not familiar with it but very intrigued. I have to use electrolyte paste on my picky boy before hot day events and that's $6 a tube but does nothing to maintain hydration other than increasing thirst. He only drinks beet pulp water if it's more pulp than water when we are away but fortunately will drink from any stream. I couldn't really makes send though of how the gel really works, despite the explanation. It goes against what I know of keeping hydrated--which usually involves drinking water! Do let us know if you get to try some?
The Cool Stance by the way continues to seem the right choice, although thus far have not given any more than 1/2 cup per feed. I also give 10 grams Alcar pre-ride and a bucket of water and my Lad seems very, very good on this thus far, fingers crossed, despite the heat. Have been going back and forth re clipping him...he comes out orange!
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Post by harveydales on Jul 30, 2014 4:28:11 GMT -1
LOL at orange pony!
I'm going to get find out more about this Equidgel and get some samples. I will keep you posted.
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Post by nedales on Aug 4, 2014 10:47:04 GMT -1
Evented yesterday on just the daily diet ( 1/2 cup Coolstance etc), pony did very well (reserve champ!) but was STARVING--and quite ready to come home and go out to graze. It was quite humid and warm but not miserably so but found if I put a bucket of water with a handful of beet pulp in it on ground next to pony and hay net tied to trailer--he was quite happy dunking into it as he munched between rounds. He refused anything more re water at event but had a good long drink as soon as turned out and gave him 3 extra scoops beet pulp with his dinner and breakfast. I am really very happy with this summer feed thus far--he was calm and cool (!) all day and able to concentrate on his work without being hot and tired. I, on the other hand, couldn't wait to shed my dressage jacket for jump vest and bare arms! Will see how he is today--may up his Cool Stance and beet pulp a bit next event and see if that helps his tummy stay a bit fuller, poor fellow.
He also doesn't like to wee when we are away, and that can't be very comfortable. Gave him a long whistle when he did so once out in pasture!
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Post by heathera on Aug 9, 2014 7:34:20 GMT -1
Thanks for posting this. I can't use senior feeds on Rose as they whizz her up so much she becomes quite ADHD. She's then not safe for her sharer to ride and seems mentally unhappy being like it. It also defeats the purpose of using it for weight gain.
I'll have a look at the cool stance as I wonder if that would give us some more energy and perhaps a little weight gain without blowing her brains out.
I'm not doing much with the youngsters at the moment as I've had a bad flare up of the CFS but I'll definitely keep a note of this thread when I get it back under control again.
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Post by yanny on Oct 4, 2014 18:04:18 GMT -1
I fed cool stance to my ex racer as he was a poor doer. It definitely helped put condition on him and didn't fizz him up (then again to be fair nothing did!) plus it smells gorgeous and is so appetising for them. And...don't call me a freak...but I even tasted it and it's actually really nice haha.
So not sure if it'd be best for a pony who you want to keep slim...but it's quality stuff!
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Post by harveydales on Oct 4, 2014 19:22:44 GMT -1
lol Yanny, nice to know I'm not the only crazy person who tries out their horse's feed themselves!
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Post by Blackshadow Dales on Oct 5, 2014 1:40:44 GMT -1
Not sure if we have cool stance up here in NY. I rely on a family run feed and tack shop who always seem to have me on the right feed for whatever type of horse I am feeding. I am hooked on Blueseal feeds as they are so fresh and have a wide selection. My ponies are all on Charger, some get a little more than others, and a handful of rolled oats. So far so good.
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Post by yanny on Oct 5, 2014 10:47:14 GMT -1
lol Yanny, nice to know I'm not the only crazy person who tries out their horse's feed themselves! Got to check it's safe for our equine angels The worst I've had taste wise is blue chip original...it's great stuff for the horses though haha!  |
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