yet again feeding.... this time feeding for energy

kezimac

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i have been feeding my idxtb speedibeet, competition mix and handful chaff over winter - not huge amounts (only about 1kg mix if that a day) - beet is because she has supplements wont eat without beet.
She is a very good do-er - i have stopped feeding the mix as i really want her off mix coming into spring. she is at correct weight now.
She lives out fully clipped with shelter, is in work 6-7 times a week - she only tends to go in arena and school as navicular so we dont really hack now. But its mainly trot and canter, lateral and transistions for about 45 mins least.

Goes to dressage tues. she needs about 40 min warmup, does first test goes lovely - then 20 mins til next test - lost all energy. Had to pony club kick her round. she did really well but it was hard work.

so i need more energy - but not weight gain - now i know if you feed any calories and dont burn off it will go on as fat. so what do i feed - she has arthritis and i have read that lots sugar and arthirits doesnt go well so really wanted away from mix - so was thinking poss alfa ? - protein for muscles and energy? .... am stuck now need help - needs to stay on beet (tiny scoop) all year round.
have fed her oil before but for weight gain - she put weight on very quickly

just need some lasting energy!
 
Have you ever considered that with her Navicular and Arthritis that she finds two dressage tests uncomfortable and this is her way of telling you ?
 
Similar difficult maintaining energy levels between tests. Changed to straights as found feeding sufficient compound feed to get energy led to weight gain. Alpha A Lite and Naked Oats with appropriate vits and mins worked well once I'd worked out the lead in time to feed the oats for maximum energy. However, before Christmas I decided to let him down for a couple of weeks and cut the oats. At the same time I discovered Carron Oil and now feed Alpha A Lite and Carron Oil and thus far haven't need the oats. Competing Sunday, first time since early December and will be interested to see how he goes.

In addition to energy he can be stressy and have found him a lot more relaxed on the Carron Oil.
 
I agree with Tracey01.

If you are feeding for stamina then avoid oats, they have quick release energy. High fibre and oil diet will provide slow release energy, however any extra energy in the diet from whatever source will be turned to fat if not used up with exercise.
 
she wasnt stiff at all, just ran out of steam! - she wasnt puffing as fit enough just oomph went. she did a fantastic spanking trot round outside then stopped had a poo(as cant poss trot and poo!!) then all the energy disapearred just as i was about to enter!!!!
 
Linseed oil may help with Endurance and also her joints, as it has an anti inflammatory action. I would try this first of all as a replacemnet to her mix, and then if need be sway her chaff to Alfa A Lite or Oil.
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