Your chance to quiz Carl Hester

By Rebecca Gibson

General news

30 September 2010 16:18

Ahead of the launch of Carl Hester’s new television series on Horse and Country TV Your Horse Magazine have been exclusively invited to the dressage star’s yard. We’ll be snooping behind the scenes to find out what makes Dolendo tick and how Liebling is settling in back on the yard, but we’ll also be putting your questions directly to Carl.

So whatever it is you want to know about Carl’s training routine, his successes, his disappointments, controversial horse sales or views on the state of the sport in Britain, send your questions to rebecca.gibson@bauermedia.co.uk before October 13th.

The first 15 readers to have their question printed in the magazine will receive a token from Saracen Horse Feeds. This token can be redeemed for either a bag of Shape-Up worth £15, or a bag of Bio-Life 2000 worth £23.

Shape-Up is the result of two years of research, development and extensive trials on horses and ponies of all shapes, sizes, breeds and ages. Shape-Up contains all the essential vitamins and minerals that a horse or pony requires in a palatable feed, and is designed for equines who are watching their weight as well as being perfect for horses and ponies that are prone to laminitis or metabolic syndrome.

It’s well documented that inappropriate dietary management and insufficient exercise is one of the main causes of equine obesity in the UK. Shape-Up has been created to work alongside a healthy exercise programme and is based on Saracen Horse Feed’s unique, super fibre technology. The diet works particularly efficiently for horses requiring a low starch/energy feed that gives a minimal glycemic response post feeding when fed in small quantities. The high fibre content and the inclusion of an original neutralising ingredient help to maintain a healthy digestive system. Shape-Up is unique in that it works in both the stomach and hindgut as it promotes normal acidity levels in horses on a restricted diet, whilst helping to maintain a normal PH level which ensures the health of the good bacteria in the large intestine.

Ongoing research into the benefits of supplementing horses with Omega 3 fatty acids continues to prove there is a beneficial link in it inhibiting the production of substances that cause inflammation and cartilage degradation. This is why Shape-Up contains omega 3 fatty acids, which help maintain healthy joints and mobility. A presence of Mycotoxins which are produced by mould in cereals, forage and pasture can have a negative effect on horse health. Shape-Up contains a yeast cell wall that helps absorb this toxin. It also contains high levels of essential antioxidants including cinnamon and a natural source of vitamin E known for helping to promote cellular defences, health and wellbeing.

Other benefits from feeding Shape-Up include recommended levels of biotin, bioplexed minerals, essential amino acids and quality protein sources which also encourage quality hoof development and growth.

Saracen Horse Feeds’ nutritionist Lizzie Drury was closely involved in the development of the feed saying: “‘After two years of product development and successful trial work we have been really looking forward to the launch of Shape Up and promotion of healthier lifestyles for horses. It is well known that exercise and correct feed management are key to preventing equine obesity so we are looking forward to working with horse owners to provide advice and support with the goal of maintaining happy, healthy and fit horses.”

Bio-Life 2000 from Saracen Horse Feeds is one of the most technically advanced feed balancers of its kind, yet one of the simplest and most convenient to use. Created by Saracen and developed through their exclusive association with KER (Kentucky Equine Research), this cost effective mix is suitable for every type of horse - from foals to veterans and has an innovative blend of concentrated ingredients together with Bio-plex and Sel-Plex minerals and advanced combinations of pro-biotics and yeast cultures.

In simple terms, Bio -Life 2000 can be fed in any circumstance, whether your horse is in convalescence or full competition work. Either fed alone (for ‘good doers’, horses at grass or on box rest) or alongside your horse’s straight or compound feeds, Bio-Life 2000 is designed to balance your horse’s diet. It supplies all the necessary nutrients that could be missing from a limited diet and when fed within a normal feeding regime, it cuts hard feed consumption as Bio-Life 2000 “upgrades” the whole ration.

For further information or advice from Saracen Horse Feeds call 01622 718 487, or visit www.saracenhorsefeeds.com