Rolled Oats - Rocket Fuel?

[moneypit1]

Fly is a lazy so and so and it is a constant battle to get him off the leg. I thought I would introduce some rolled oats into his diet to give him a bit more energy and a bit of ooommmph. Now bearing in mind Fly is a warmblood and actually fairly fit I was very cautious in introducing the oats. Now, a week later he is on half a scoop twice a day with some hifi and tbh it has made no difference at all! Perhaps I am not feeding enough, perhaps he is immune! Any other experiences welcome or advice please!

 

[ceiron]

crushed barley would be a better option i do believe

 

[LMuirEDT]

Agree with Ceiron, I'm sure barley is better for energy but if more fattening.

 

[teddybearhaffy]

oats release energy fairly slowly so barley would be better

 

[moneypit1]

thankies everyone, I will try crushed barley. I have to be a bit careful as he tends to hold weight a bit too well. Will give it a go. x

 

[competitiondiva]

Yes oats, in any form do nothing to my mare! Being a good doer I was reluctant to use barley as it is also fattening!! So I contacted Saracen feeds who suggested feeding a small amount of their speed mix, they swear it is like rocket fuel!!! So Have just got a bag of that yesterday! I'll let you know how it goes!!!

 

[charlotteeaton88]

Allen and Page's feed Power and Performance is also good for boosting energy

 

[moneypit1]

Yes oats, in any form do nothing to my mare! Being a good doer I was reluctant to use barley as it is also fattening!! So I contacted Saracen feeds who suggested feeding a small amount of their speed mix, they swear it is like rocket fuel!!! So Have just got a bag of that yesterday! I'll let you know how it goes!!!

please do! x

 

[teddyt]

Oats do not release their energy slowly, compared to all the other cereals the energy is released the quickest following digestion. They are however lower in overall energy compared to barley, with maize being higher again.

You have to make sure the extra energy you are feeding by feeding the cereals is used up in exercise, otherwise your horse will just get fatter. That goes for whateve you feed.

The energy from cereals is starch based too, which can cause digestive upset but it is why people think it gives more oomph- because it is released quicker than fibre based energy. This also has a bearing on time of feeding however, because of the peaks and troughs of energy following starch digestion and the release of insulin. The energy might not actually be there when you need it, whereas Fibre based feeds dont have this problem.

Have you investigated all possible causes of the laziness? e.g. saddle, feet, fitness sufficient for what you are asking the horse to do, rider nagging so horse swiches off, pain/discomfort etc. Also, some horses just arent genetically programmed for speed/forwardness.

With regards the diet- does your horse have a vit/min supplement? The laziness could be due to something lacking.

 

[moneypit1]

thanks for your reply teddyt. Well tbh Fly is always lazy unless he is competing, fun rides etc. It is the everyday stuff he finds mundane, hacking, schooling etc. He is reasonably fit and feet, saddle, teeth, back etc all A1. He has always been like this so I guess it is just him. Once he gets in the ring he is fine, off the leg etc and gets the job done but I find it a real chore to ride him day to day. He is a nightmare to get and keep fit because of his inherant laziness, just thought that perhaps I could "spice" him up a bit and make work a little bit less of a chore all round.