Feeding Barley for extra buzz

[K9Wendy]

Somebody suggested to me to add barley to my horse's feed for extra buzz, need her just a bit more sparkly. Have tried oats and not really much difference.

Dodson & Horrell Barley Rings or Mollychaff Barley plus are what I have available locally, anyone rate them for that bit extra excitement? If not it's a rocket up the bum for her!!

 

[AmyMay]

Conditioning feeds always worked for Amy. Oats had no affect at all - but add some conditioning mix to her regular feed and bingo!! Rocket propelled pony!

 

[K9Wendy]

Thanks Amymay, we have her on Baileys conditioning mix, sugarbeet and some readigrass, but while she is fit and in super condition we'd like just a bit more fizz with her. I had been using soaked oats a while ago and to be honest she was far too laid back on it.

I emailed Baileys and they say she is getting exactly what is required for her work, size etc with either the conditioning mix or competition mix.. So short of the rocket remedy, I was hoping a bit of extra barley would do the trick, oh and I suppose the first flush of spring too..

 

[AmyMay]

To be honest, it's unlikely that any feed will change the basic essence of your horse - so if he's a laid back type even rocket fuel won't make much difference.

Have you considered a different type of feed altogether? Something like Spillers slow release cubes??

 

[miller]

My lad is like that - gets plenty of feed but never had fizz - I've tried everything on the market a few years ago when he was BSJA'ing, nothing fizzed him - had bloods and everything taken and vet said that feed won't change his personality, only thing to get horses like the fizzier is ti get them stupid fit - he was right, worked him twice a day for an hour at a time and took him to gallops etc and it improved things - never really fizzy though.

Recently a friend's horse went on box rest and she had just opened a bag of D+H performance mix (think that's what it's called) she gave me the rest as mine was only horse in decent workload on yard.

He had 1/2 scoop of that and 1/2 scoop Staypower Muesli and after 3 days I took him off it - was having to canter for 20 mins before I could get any sense out of him! Worth a go

 

[K9Wendy]

Thanks, I have just emailed D&H for some advice..

Amymay, I know what you mean, no food is going to change her personality, so perhaps a different feed might be a good idea thanks..

 

[AmyMay]

[ QUOTE ]
Amymay, I know what you mean, no food is going to change her personality, so perhaps a different feed might be a good idea thanks..

[/ QUOTE ]
Just worth considering - you never know

 

[filly190]

To get the extra buzz and sharpen a horse up, I feel it is a combination of food and riding style. If you feel the horse is being fed correctly and not lacking, could it possible he is being a little lazy to your aids. Some horses know just how much they can give and not give.

If you find he is dull when schooling, could it be possible he is getting sour? and needs a freshen up, a good hack and gallop to clear out the cobwebs.

I have an older mare and if we do the same routine things, she goes like a slug and I start worrying about feed, condition, is she ill, etc etc. We box out some where new, like the forestry and she just comes to life. To keep the interest and spark in her, I have come to realise that we need to keep doing different, interesting things.

Just an idea, as it sometimes not always the food to blame. It could possibly be your horse is a little too clever.

 

[Scarlett1980]

i agree with amymay. you could combine spillers slow release cubes with their instant energy mix for stamina and a bit of sparkle.

my friend does this and it works really well. if she has a lesson or show she just increases the instant mix by about 500g but keeps the cubes constant.

think their email is careline@spillers-feeds.com