Feeding for weight maintenance
The main error that many owners make when feeding a horse fresh out of training is to place them on a horse and pony mix or cube simply because it is low in energy. Many ‘simple’ horse and pony mixes are based on a cereal formulation, which can cause a thoroughbred to ‘hot up’. There is also the misconception that too much protein ‘heats up’ a horse - protein is used for cell renewal, tissue, and muscle repair and it is important that optimum levels of quality protein are included in the ration.
What is important is where energy is being sourced. All of the Saracen feeds that we recommend for the ex-racehorse use ‘non–heating’ highly digestible “Super-fibres” and oil as the main sources of energy, removing the need for high levels of cereal. Each feed can be fed alongside our comprehensive range of chaffs as well as sugar beet if you so wish.
Super Fibre Cubes are a good starting point for any ex-racehorse and are a great way to start increasing the fibre content of the diet. The cubes have a low-starch and sugar content and are cereal free, helping to maintain an even temperament, as well as supporting good digestive health. Soya oil is used within the pencil to support skin and coat condition. They are the ideal feed to start your ex-racehorse on where simplicity is required.
RE-LEVE®-MIX is a high-fibre, low-starch, cereal-free feed. Highly digestible ‘Super-fibres’, soya hulls, beet pulp, and oil supply the energy, reducing the reliance on starch. Some ex-racehorses can have excitable tendencies and feeding low starch feeds can help maintain an even, trainable temperament. RE-LEVE®-MIX is also fully fortified with a concentrated source of proteins, trace elements as well as yeast to support optimal fibre digestion and elevated levels of important anti-oxidants Vitamin E and selenium to support normal muscle function.
CONDITION-IMPROVER CUBES are a moderate starch feed formulated to support optimum muscle and topline development, and the barley-free formulation helps to maintain a steady temperament, ideal for ex-racehorses. The cubes also contain EQUI-JEWEL®, a high fat stabilized rice bran, which has been blended into the feed to increase the calorie content and to provide a source of essential fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat shine. This is a non-heating formulation for all over body condition and optimal muscle tone
Enduro-Performance provides long-lasting energy for horses that require excellent stamina levels. Many ex-racehorses go on to do a variety of different careers and may need a feed to provide a higher level of energy to support this work. Enduro-Performance contains an inclusion of oats for a higher energy requirement, but the emphasis remains on highly digestible “Super-fibre” ingredients such as soya hulls and beet pulp and oil, which releases energy slowly supporting controlled performance. A yeast is also included to support optimum calcium absorption and fibre digestion, along with important antioxidants to support muscle recovery post exercise.
To ensure your horse receives adequate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, the above feeds must be fed at the recommended daily intakes. If you are unsure of the correct amount, please don’t hesitate to ask the Saracen Nutritional Team.
QUICK FEEDS COMPARISON
All our recommended feeds provide a low intake of starch per meal. To help reduce risk of ulceration or hindgut acidosis from starch loading you should ideally keep starch intake to 1g or less per kilogram of bodyweight in each meal. For a 500kg thoroughbred this equates to feeding no more than 500g of starch in each meal. All of the recommended feeds provide significantly less than 500g of starch when fed at 1 or 2 kg in a meal, making them ideal for gastric health and hindgut health.
| FEED | PROTEIN G/KG | STARCH G/KG | OIL G/KG | FIBRE G/KG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RE-LEVE®-MIX | 130 | 80 | 100 | 195 |
| Super Fibre Cubes | 100 | 105 | 35 | 220 |
| Condition-Improver | 135 | 210 | 60 | 130 |
| Enduro-Performance | 110 | 200 | 100 | 125 |
Daily Feeding rates (based on 500kg TB in light work and ad-lib forage)
- Super Fibre Cubes 2-2.5kg/day
- RE-LEVE 2.0kg/day
- Condition-Improver Cubes 2.0kg/day
- Enduro-Performance 2.0kg/day
Remember to weigh your feed scoops to know exactly how much you are feeding.
NEED MORE GUIDANCE?
For a detailed, personalised feeding plan for your ex-racehorse, please complete our simple and free Feed Advice form. Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to one of our qualified nutritionists for some immediate advice, please call our feed advice line on 01622 718 487.
Feed Advice Form
Complete our online form to receive a detailed nutritional plan for your horse or pony from one of our registered nutritionists.