Case Study: Alfa-A Oil for Dressage

Julie met a Dengie nutritionist at a yard open day in June and was keen to try a fibre-based diet for her two horses, Holme Grove Sargent (Holme) a 16.3hh, 3 year old Trakenher and Thoby her 14 year old Hanoverian x TB.

Julie was keen to try a fibre based diet, as she was worried that Holme would have a 'hot' streak when he is eventually backed later this year and also wanted more controlled energy and stamina for Thoby her current dressage horse. The Dengie nutritionist recommended a diet based on Alfa-A Oil, a blend of alfalfa and GM free soya oil, in place of her horses current ration of youngstock mix for Holme and competition cubes for Thoby.

Suggested Diet for both horses

• Alfa-A Oil 1.5kg (approx. 4 scoops)
• Natural Vitality Performance Vits & Mins 1 ½ measures daily

Alfa-A Oil is particularly suitable for Julie's horses, as although it has a calorie level similar to Julie's original feeds, it has a much lower starch level so is less likely to contribute to Holmes 'hot streak'. Using sources of 'slow release' energy like fibre and oil can help to improve stamina, which is ideal for Thoby. To balance the diet Dengie Natural Vitality Performance Vits & Mins, a high specification broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement was recommended.

Julie contacted us again and was really pleased as both horses had a lot of enthusiasm for eating the Alfa-A Oil and Thoby seemed to have plenty of 'fuel left in the tank' at the end of a schooling session. Julie thinks the recent pictures of her horses speak for themselves, especially as the horses look so 'gleaming and muscular'.

For feeding advice contact the Dengie Feedline 0845 345 5115.