Feeding Oats at a competition

[PumpkinSurprise1995]

Hi All,

I do some showing with my cob, shes super fiery and very strong most of the time and not a plod along cob but after one class and going straight into the other in Summer when its hot she can lose her spark and drag her feet in the next class which normally drops me down a place or two! She was on pure feed that gave her the extra energy as it has oats in it but had to take her off due to the price being crazy for the amount you get and worrying about her weight when the grass came through (she also started spitting it out so decided she didnt want it she wanted her field mates who is on competition mix!)

The Judged told me to feed her oats in between classes to give her a boost but not sure if i soak it or feed it straight? ive tried premier performance energy cookies and i think they made her more sleepy then energy wise!

Also open to any suggestions! I will consider feeding her oats on a regular basis but not wanting to take her off her current chaff and she actually eats it!

Thanks in advance!

 

[adamntitch]

As far as I know that's a lie need to be fed over a few days to get into there sistum (sp) they don't work straight away don't think feeding oats just to show is any good ether showing should be fun not about getting placed

 

[PumpkinSurprise1995]

As far as I know that's a lie need to be fed over a few days to get into there sistum (sp) they don't work straight away don't think feeding oats just to show is any good ether showing should be fun not about getting placed.

Very quick to assume my reason for wanting her to have a bit more energy was for a red rosette, just because I said it drops me down a place or two doesn't mean I'm suddenly a sore loser or pushing my horse out her comfort zone, you don't go to compete to lose, you to compete to do they best you know you and your horse can do, I get exhausted between classes so I have good and drink when it's hot, nothing wrong with wanting the same for my horse. she loves competing she just losing a bit of energy that's all I was asking, she's won many rosettes in many different areas of competing without extra energy but she struggles when it is hot like alot of horses do. But thanks for your input.

 

[HopOnTrot]

You can buy something called “energy cookies” which are, I assume, the opposite to calming cookies!

I haven’t tried them yet as only heard about them last week!

 

[adamntitch]

Very quick to assume my reason for wanting her to have a bit more energy was for a red rosette, just because I said it drops me down a place or two doesn't mean I'm suddenly a sore loser or pushing my horse out her comfort zone, you don't go to compete to lose, you to compete to do they best you know you and your horse can do, I get exhausted between classes so I have good and drink when it's hot, nothing wrong with wanting the same for my horse. she loves competing she just losing a bit of energy that's all I was asking, she's won many rosettes in many different areas of competing without extra energy but she struggles when it is hot like alot of horses do. But thanks for your input.

Sorry that came across wrong I should of said in general

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

As far as I know that's a lie need to be fed over a few days to get into there sistum (sp) they don't work straight away don't think feeding oats just to show is any good ether showing should be fun not about getting placed

Well yes it's fun but nothing wrong in making sure your horse is performing at its best, it's only a bit of feed nothing sinister going on

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Alot of people feed the saracen recovery mash at shows as it encourages them to consume water which I think often contributes to lack of energy because alot won't drink.

It's like crack cocaine for horses most absolutely love it.

 

[Roxylola]

I can't see any harm, possibly not between classes but maybe day before/morning of. I'd probably add a small amount regularly so you aren't risking digestive issues.
I "feed" a bit of recovery mash out eventing - it's basically a handful in a lot of water to encourage a reluctant drinker. It's not ideal but I can't see a small amount making a huge issue

 

[PumpkinSurprise1995]

You can buy something called “energy cookies” which are, I assume, the opposite to calming cookies!

I haven’t tried them yet as only heard about them last week!

I have tried them! Made no difference to her unfortunately!

 

[PumpkinSurprise1995]

I can't see any harm, possibly not between classes but maybe day before/morning of. I'd probably add a small amount regularly so you aren't risking digestive issues.
I "feed" a bit of recovery mash out eventing - it's basically a handful in a lot of water to encourage a reluctant drinker. It's not ideal but I can't see a small amount making a huge issue

She's been on a oat mix before and it did help! But the recovery mash is probably a good idea as she is fussy where she drinks! Thank you!

 

[Glitter's fun]

I'd be looking more at ways to keep her cool and hydrated.
Some suggestions that work for me... (some fairly obvious-sorry!)
Travel early in the day then rest on arrival. If possible nab a parking spot in the shade. Cover her with a very light cotton sheet so her coat lies flat. Reduce your amount of warm up on hot days and do it early so she gets a rest before the class. Add some carrot puree, chopped apple or a small amount of sugar beet to her water to encourage drinking. You used to be allowed to take water into the ring and sponge off sweat after the individual show but check with the judge. If you're pouring water on her after the first class do it while she's walking, so she doesn't stiffen up.
Edited - Also drink sport drinks yourself so you don't get dehydrated. She'll notice if you don't have your usual sparkle!

 

[I'm Dun]

and electrolytes in her water should help

 

[Patterdale]

Brace yourself, I’m feeling honest

It sounds more like it is due to being unfit and overweight.

Feed her less, up her work considerably, and the subsequent increased fitness and stamina should see her happily through multiple classes a day.

I always think it is so strange that if a person was to say ‘I am quite unfit and overweight, and struggle to keep my energy up when doing sports. What could I do to help?’ the answer is never ‘eat more, of course.’

But with horses you see this asked again and again, with people recommending to feed them some calorific food, and this will solve it. I find it bonkers.

 

[PumpkinSurprise1995]

I'd be looking more at ways to keep her cool and hydrated.
Some suggestions that work for me... (some fairly obvious-sorry!)
Travel early in the day then rest on arrival. If possible nab a parking spot in the shade. Cover her with a very light cotton sheet so her coat lies flat. Reduce your amount of warm up on hot days and do it early so she gets a rest before the class. Add some carrot puree, chopped apple or a small amount of sugar beet to her water to encourage drinking. You used to be allowed to take water into the ring and sponge off sweat after the individual show but check with the judge. If you're pouring water on her after the first class do it while she's walking, so she doesn't stiffen up.
Edited - Also drink sport drinks yourself so you don't get dehydrated. She'll notice if you don't have your usual sparkle!

Thank you! Yes I do all the above part crom the chopped apple will give that a go! I am very picking on my cool down with her as I used to help out as an event groom so I cool her off as if she's just come off badminton (get some funny looks but if it works for her it works!) Carrot puree sounds good she would love that, I keep her cool the best I possibly calm and her warm up is mostly an in hand walk before we go in! She's as fit as she can be but as soon as the heat

Brace yourself, I’m feeling honest

It sounds more like it is due to being unfit and overweight.

Feed her less, up her work considerably, and the subsequent increased fitness and stamina should see her happily through multiple classes a day.

I always think it is so strange that if a person was to say ‘I am quite unfit and overweight, and struggle to keep my energy up when doing sports. What could I do to help?’ the answer is never ‘eat more, of course.’

But with horses you see this asked again and again, with people recommending to feed them some calorific food, and this will solve it. I find it bonkers.

Not relevant to what I asked. If you have anything that's relevant to input about feed or hydration then please keep your opinion to yourself. Ta.

 

[PumpkinSurprise1995]

Thank you! Yes I do all the above part crom the chopped apple will give that a go! I am very picking on my cool down with her as I used to help out as an event groom so I cool her off as if she's just come off badminton (get some funny looks but if it works for her it works!) Carrot puree sounds good she would love that, I keep her cool the best I possibly calm and her warm up is mostly an in hand walk before we go in! She's as fit as she can be but as soon as the heat

Not relevant to what I asked. If you have anything that's relevant to input about feed or hydration then please keep your opinion to yourself. Ta.

Also is a very very fit cob, I always keep her I'm regular work and don't believe in show horses being overweight as its not fair on them, wouldn't do something she can't

 

[PumpkinSurprise1995]

Thank you! Yes I do all the above part crom the chopped apple will give that a go! I am very picking on my cool down with her as I used to help out as an event groom so I cool her off as if she's just come off badminton (get some funny looks but if it works for her it works!) Carrot puree sounds good she would love that, I keep her cool the best I possibly calm and her warm up is mostly an in hand walk before we go in! She's as fit as she can be but as soon as the heat

Not relevant to what I asked. If you have anything that's relevant to input about feed or hydration then please keep your opinion to yourself. Ta.

She's also very fit and it's a strict routine to keep her that way and also her feeding is constantly monitored

 

[PumpkinSurprise1995]

Also is a very very fit cob, I always keep her I'm regular work and don't believe in show horses being overweight as its not fair on them, wouldn't do something she can't

Didn't mean to reply to this post!

 

[Roxylola]

Also is a very very fit cob, I always keep her I'm regular work and don't believe in show horses being overweight as its not fair on them, wouldn't do something she can't

I actually think it's quite common on fitness type boards that people who know their stuff will suggest that to improve performance you need to be eating enough and potentially need to eat more. While you can't out run a bad diet you can't also can't run a car without putting fuel in!

 

[P.forpony]

You get out what you put in!
If the horse is fit as you've said then lack of energy is down to lack of fuel be that food, water electrolytes or most likely a combination of all 3.
My tb gets flat and incredibly boring during the summer because he gets less hard feed to maintain his weight when the grass is good.
Oats work well for him. Recovery mash and saracens enduro perform was brilliant for my Connie who was hunting at least once a week. Electrolytes are important for everything that's working hard especially sweating or in hot weather.

Soaking the oats would be good for upping the water intake if you decide to use them but it may be as simple as a couple of apples and carrots for the sugar content and a good drink.
A carton of apple juice in a bucket of water often does the trick if they're reluctant to drink away from home too.

I think the best best is to try a few things out at home to make sure you get the desired result and that your horse will actually eat it!

 

[silv]

I get this with my warmblood at dressage comps, I spoke to a feed rep she said feed him some oats about 1 hour before I get on to warm him up. It did help in his case.