Jake – from fat to fabulous
Having an overweight animal can be a huge concern for the horse owner. Nutritional research has become so much more accessible through the readily available mediums of magazines and the internet, that people are far more aware of the risks associated with the horse being overweight. However, with such a huge variety of feeds, supplements and anecdotal (and sometimes conflicting) advice being offered to the horse owner, weight management is often perceived as a bit of a nutritional minefield. Here at SPILLERS® we understand the issues facing horse owners, and believe that through correct nutrition, careful exercise and clear advice we will be able to improve your horse’s condition. The case study below is an excellent example of how the SPILLERS® Care-Line helped one concerned yet conscientious owner to get her horse back to his optimum weight and fitness.
Meet Jake. He is a 16.2 Clydesdale x Highland gelding belonging to Helen Carlisle. In 2005 Jake was diagnosed with bone spavin, and one of the courses of action suggested by the vet was that he needed to lose weight. In this picture Jake weighs 785kg, and he has fat pockets on his neck, shoulders and hind quarters.
After calling the Care-Line Helen began to use SPILLERS® Happy Dieter™ at the recommended level for Jake’s size. We also recommended maintaining a high level of fibre in the diet to ensure that the digestive tract was kept as healthy as possible, so on top of SPILLERS® Happy Dieter™, Helen gave Jake 13kg of hay per day rather than the haylage he used to have.
She also limited his grass intake, as native types and “good doers” tend to gain weight from grazing even if the grass isn’t particularly lush. Alongside this new low calorie regime Helen also helped Jake to lose weight by gradually increasing his exercise.
By March 2006 Jake weighed 695kg which meant all of Helen’s hard work had paid off; he had lost a phenomenal 90kg. He is now more energetic and lively, and the weight loss means that he is not putting as much stress on his bones, joints and muscles.
Helen now keeps a close eye on Jake’s weight, and is even able to add products from the RESPONSE® competition range to his rations in summer to give him even more sparkle and energy. As you can see from the picture below, the combination of hard work and top class nutritional expertise have helped to transform Jake into a different horse.
If you are in the same situation that Helen and Jake were in and would like help transforming your horse from “fat to fabulous”, we would love to help.
To contact the Care-Line, either email us a Care-Line enquiry or telephone us on 01908 226626, one of our advisors will be happy to tailor-make a diet for your horse or pony. Similarly, if SPILLERS® Happy Dieter™ has helped your horse or pony to lose weight, we would love to hear from you, so please email the Care-Line.
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