Managing Muscle Health And Calorie Restriction

Managing a good doer can be tricky enough, but when there are additional nutritional requirements as well, feeding these horses can become quite tricky.

Tierney got in touch with Steph, our Sport & Leisure Nutritionist, as she was looking for help with finding the right feeding plan for her young horse Jack. Jack is a 14.2hh Connemara who was just coming into work and was struggling with his energy levels. After a few conversations between Tierney, Jack’s vet, and Steph, it became apparent that Jack wasn’t just being a lazy horse there was something more going on and subtle signs led to the conclusion that he has tied-up early on in his training career.

With this in mind, a diet plan was developed for Jack taking into account the previous muscle issues and his lack of energy whilst still being mindful of his breeding which predisposes him to being a good doer. Tierney started Jack on SHAPE-UP™ and has had great success using this with some additional RE-COVERY MASH when required.

Jack is now rising 6 and Tierney has been in touch to update us on how he is getting on.

SHAPE-UP™ is specifically designed for good doers that are in a regular work regime as it provides energy through high levels of digestible fibre, helping to support optimal stamina, whilst offering a calorie restricted diet to help keep their weight in check. SHAPE-UP™ is a low intake feed and will provide a balanced diet when fed at 200g per 100kg of body weight and at this intake will also provide the recommended daily dose of biotin to support healthy hoof growth as well as Acid Buf and a mycotoxin binder to support digestive health. SHAPE-UP™ is also cereal free, low in sugar and starch making it ideal when managing horses with an increased risk of muscle or metabolic issues.

RE-COVERY MASH is a high fibre mash designed to support rehydration and replenishment of electrolytes. It is ideal to use after hard training session or to encourage fluid intake and will form part of an electrolyte replenishment program. Maintaining optimal hydration and electrolyte balance will also support muscle function and the good quality protein sources included in RE-COVERY MASH will aid muscle repair and recovery.

Tierney is very happy to report that Jack has not shown any signs of tying-up since the diet change and we are sure that all the hard work Tierney is putting into his management and exercise regime has worked wonders as well to keep him fit and healthy – well done Tierney!

If you would like any further information please get in contact with our nutritional team on 01622 718487 or fill out our FEED ADVICE FORM