The History of Saracen Horse Feeds
2023
Following extensive research and development Saracen Horse Feeds are delighted to launch the next generation of innovative Veteran feeds. The new Veteran Mash and Veteran Balancer have been formulated to meet the exacting nutritional needs of the ever-growing senior population.
2022
An exciting change to our Conditioning products. A strategic merger of the Show Improver range with the Conditioning range sees the launch of the new Condition-Improver Mix and Condition-Improver Cubes.
2021
Successful launch of the new Saracen RE-LEVE®-CUBES. Built on the success of the RE-LEVE®-Mix, the innovative RE-LEVE®-Cubes are the result of over 2 years of research and development with our exclusive nutrition partners at Kentucky Equine Research
2019
Successful launch of the new Saracen Re-Covery Mash – the first targeted hydration mash formulated to encourage water intake and support hydration
Dubawi Endurance Stable number maintain FEI top ranking
The Saracen Horse Feeds British Young Riders Event Team win Team Gold in the Netherlands
2018
New packaging for SHAPE-UP and the Horse & Pony Cooling range
Launch of Mare-Care Cubes, Camel Mix and Icelandic Mix
EGUS accreditation awarded for Re-Leve & Competition-Fit Balancer
Saracen Horse Feeds win the prestigious contract to feed the horses of the British Army.
2017
Launch of the new Competition-Fit range.
Saracen Horse Feeds become the title sponsor of the Houghton International Horse Trials inc The Nations Cup
2016
New packaging for the Super Fibre range, Donkey Diet and Re-Leve
Saracen fed all four riders on the British Olympic Dressage Team competing at Rio Olympics. Valegro and Charlotte Dujardin win the individual Gold medal scoring plus 85% and the Team take the silver medal.
Australian eventing brand ambassador Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brocklagh 4th Rio Olympics
Brand ambassador Lily Ahern and Barkway Sweet William of Team Ahern, win the Championship title at Horse of the Year Show, at just three years old making her the youngest ever rider.
2015
New packaging for the Conditioning range, Show Improver range, Enduro-Performance and Essential Balancer
2012
Saracen Brand Ambassadors, Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro, and Carl Hester and Uthopia, win Team Gold at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Charlotte and Valegro went on to win the individual Gold medal. Natasha Baker won the Paralympics Individual & Freestyle gold with JP.
Essential Balancer is launched to complement the Saracen Horse Feed range with a nutrient dense, low intake balanced ration.
Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brocklagh win Badminton Horse Trials
2010
Market launch of Shape-Up, a specialist low calorie, low intake feed balancer for good-doers, those prone to weight gain or more at risk of metabolic issues.
2007
Wm. Lillico & Son Ltd is now managed by a new board of directors with Patrick Walker, the fourth generation, as our Chairman
Donkey Diet is launched, the first feed specifically tailored to the nutritional needs of donkeys. The diet was developed in conjunction with the country’s leading carer for donkeys, The Donkey Sanctuary
2006
Saracen launched Stallion Plan and Mare-Care, technically advanced rations formulated specifically for horses standing at stud
2004
Research trial on Veteran Mix via a partnership with The Horse Trust (The Home of Rest for Horses): www.horsetrust.org.uk
Carl Hester and Escapado represent Great Britain at the Athens Olympics, Peanuts continued to thrive on RE-LEVE®
2003
Carl Hester was the first high profile dressage rider to feed RE-LEVE® to Escapado to help manage his temperament. This was the beginning of the Saracen partnership, which continues to this day.
Kentucky Equine Research's studies into glycemic response post feeding leads to the launch of new concept products: Level-Grow™, RE-LEVE® and Super Fibre Pencils
2001
Saracen Horse Feeds becomes the exclusive UK Team Partner for Kentucky Equine Research, joining an international network of leading equine feed manufacturers
Saracen Horse Feeds formulated and launched Enduro-100, used by leading Endurance stables in the UK and Middle East
2000
Saracen Horse Feeds and Hallway Feeds of Lexington, Kentucky, forge an exclusive manufacturing partnership
Exclusive Partnership
1999
Saracen Horse Feeds launched Bio-Life 2000, a unique feed balancer in a mix form
Alltech Bioplex minerals and yeast were incorporated into diets
1998
Saracen Horse Feeds becomes a Limited company within the Wm. Lillico Group
ILPH (International League for Protection of Horses) used and endorsed Veteran Mix and Show Improver rations
1994
Saracen secured its first export client - Sheikh Zayed (President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi), Royal Stables
Saracen launches Veteran Mix, the very FIRST diet specifically tailored to meet the needs of the older horse or pony
1989
The Lillico group begins to rationalise and Saracen Horse Feeds is formed as the horse feed division of Wm. Lillico.
1973
J & W Attlee Ltd. of Dorking is purchased.
1963
The business celebrates 175 years of trading by further improving the site with a new feed cubing plant, a new warehouse, further transport and grain drier
1951
A new mill was built. The old water-mill and cart-sheds were demolished. In their place, a modern warehouse and grain drier was built.
1939 - 1945
Wm. Lillico & Son continued to trade throughout the war despite many staff called to action including Directors, Keith Denham, who was captured and detained as a Prisoner of War in Germany, and Paul Walker, who fought in Burma and whose actions were honoured with the Military Cross. During their absence, Lionel Lillico managed the business through this difficult period servicing the South East with raw materials and animal feeds.
1937
Wm. Lillico & Son becomes a Limited company
1881
William Lock retires and leaves his business to William Lillico
1865
William Lillico, a farmer’s son originally from Fife in Scotland, was employed as an apprentice for William Lock at age 16.
1788
The Family business was formed as a grain and agricultural merchant