Case Study: Alfa-A Original Dressage

Bob is a 9 year-old Polish Warmblood described by his owner Maggie as being very 'tense' and full of 'anxious energy'. Maggie contacted the Dengie Feedline after attending a feeding lecture that described how the horse's digestive system works and that different energy sources can provide either 'quick' or 'slow' release energy.

Having learnt that fibre is a source of 'slow release' energy Maggie was keen to change from Bob's usual ration of chaff and a cool mix to one based predominantly on fibre. Maggie was especially keen to try a fibre-based diet as Bob is used for dressage so needs to keep a 'cool' head and have good concentration.

Suggested Ration alongside grass and hay

• Alfa-A Original 0.5-1kg
• Alfa-Beet 0.25-0.5kg
• Natural Vitality Leisure Vits & Mins 2 measures daily

Alfa-A Original is based on pure alfalfa, which is a source of digestible fibre and therefore provides 'slow release' energy. At 10MJ/kg Alfa-A Original has a calorie level comparable to a pasture or cool mix/cube, but without the starch so is less likely to contribute to Bob's excitable behaviour. It was suggested that Bob have a variable level of Alfa-A Original and Alfa-Beet as he holds weight with ease in the summer, but when the grass disappears in the winter he needs a little extra help to maintain condition.

Alfa-Beet is a blend of alfalfa and unmolassed sugar beet and is a very digestible fibre source so provides further 'slow release' energy. Alfa-Beet was suggested as an additional energy source and also to encourage further water intake as it is fed soaked. Dengie Natural Vitality Leisure Vits & Mins, a broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement was suggested to balance the ration.

Maggie describes the difference in Bob as staggering as he seems so calm and is now a joy to hack out. What’s more Bob has being doing well at competition and is now competing at medium level dressage.