What is the best high energy food for horses on a diet?

That's a bit of a contradiction in terms. It's like asking for a good high-calorie food for a fat person. Without more info I'm only guessing, but if she's lacking 'energy' then perhaps it's because she's too fat, lacking well balanced nutrition, has some physical problem...
 
I read somewhere that good active walks are the best exercise for horses needing to loss weight as this makes the horse rely more on their fat reserves - longer sustained exercise.

Shorter sessions of faster work relys more on the carbohydrate stores which is why the horse won't lose the fat as easilly. There is a delay between asking for more activity and the body being able to metabolise the fat which is why you will find your horse lacks energy for work requiring sudden energy bursts in addition to the extra effort it requires fatties even to move!
 
what are you feeding at the mo?

blue is in quite a bit of work as well, but his weight is good just now... he gets baileys lowcal, with a scoop of alfa A, speedibeet , omega oil & garlic.

In a couple of weeks though he about to move back into a paddock ive been resting with more grass in, and he's having a weeks hol - so the speedibet will be getting stepped back and cut right out, and the alfaA will be drastically reduced as well...:rolleyes:
 
Ditto wundahoss and littlepony.

Many nutritionists will advise owners whose horses need to lose weight yet lack energy, to give the horse a small volume of high energy, quick-release feed shortly before exercise, to encourage that energy to be used for work instead of being stored as fat. Low energy/slow-release feeds are more likely to be stored as fat than used for work.
Howevr having suggested that, it is important to evaluate your horse's curent diet first as she needs to still be using up more energy than she is consuming in order to lose weight effectively and healthily.

x
 
Thanks guys.

At the moment she is on a small amount of hi-fi lite and competition mix, its what she's fed every summer. Going on what you brainiacs (;)) have said I might just leave her on what she is, reduce her hay a little because the good grass is coming through now, and keep the hacks steadier but longer.

Sound ok? :D
 
The comp mix should be enough energy wise but if she is a little porky she will need to lose weight to feel more energetic !! If y'get what I mean. Yes - keep to the same and up the mix if necessary when she has lost weight and her work has increased.
 
I have the same problem a pony with no energy but looks at food and gets fat. Much trial and error, oats and competitionn food I now have what works for him
Allen and page power and performance new food
he gets a 1/2 pint cup twice a day and 1/2 pint cup of top spec lite morning and night
energy with out to much fat
 
Allen and Page do some really good feeds - I use their Fast Fibre but ponios lose their table manners when eating it - good slurping opportunities !!
 
Oats or something like Spillers instant energy will add a bit of spark although as others said, if the horse is overweight just getting some of the weight off will help increase their energy levels and make them less sluggish!
 
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