LucieFibre Cubes - High Fibre, Low Sugar, Low Calorie Cubes

The grass is coming through nicely now and many horses are holding good condition. They may well still need a feed, especially if they are doing any work and to give any additional feeds they may need, such as Total Eclipse or adding salt in the form of Summer Salt. But lots of calories? Possibly not! Soaked feeds are always good at any time, but more so when the weather is warmer and the work sweatier, so LucieFibre Cubes are a perfect choice. They are low in calories (under 10 MJ/Kg) and high in fibre (over 28%) and super low in natural sugars and starch (under 5% and under 2% respectively). Of course, as with all Simple System feeds, there are no additives! These gems soak up 2.5 times their volume of water in around half an hour to make an appetising mash with plenty of texture – bits, not sludge… This wonderful feed is 100% pure, low protein (11%) lucerne, in 6mm pellets. Suitable for all horses, ponies and donkeys requiring low calorie feed with no wheat, oats, barley, soya or molasses. LucieFibre Cubes can, with benefit, be offered directly before and after work. Contact our Feed Line, on 01728 604008 or info@simplesystem.co.uk, for individual suggestions for your horse.

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MetaSlim

** FREE ** Weigh Tape with MetaSlim purchase. Follow the link below to place your order.

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Owners of horses with tying up issues or shivers for instance are often advised, quite rightly, to keep their horses on a low sugar, low starch diet. The advice can also be to increase the oil in their rations. Oil is digested to free fatty acids which are metabolised on the slow burn energy path ways. But feeding oil is feeding calories with no minerals, no fibre, no protein – none of the nutrients that are so important to horses. There is a another way! Feeding readily fermented fibre also yields free fatty acids. We can get this good fibre from lucerne, younger grass, beet pulp and linseed. Red Bag Grass Pellets, LucieNuts, Instant Linseed, TopNosh, Green Gold, PuraBeet are just some of the feeds suitable for horses requiring energy from sources other than starch and sugar. Contact our Feed Line, on 01728 604008 or info@simplesystem.co.uk, for suggestions specific to your horse.

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Spring is here and the grass is now starting to grow, but if you have a podgy or metabolically challenged horse, resist the urge to turn them out for long periods. Let the grass grow tall. Tall grass has less sugar and more fibre so is better suited to those struggling with weight or metabolic issues. Stressed, over-grazed grass is short of fibre, high in sugar and may also be sodium deficient. It can be difficult on livery yards where there may be more horses than is ideal for the acreage but short grass is not the best option for horses, it can also increase the risk of the horses ingesting soil. This can accumulate in the large intestine, causing digestive upsets and colic.

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Lucerne and Alfalfa – the same or different? Well, yes and no! They are both names for the same plant which in Britain and Europe is traditionally known as Lucerne. In America it is called Alfalfa. At Simple System we choose to use the British and European name for our lucerne because the American Alfalfa is primarily grown to fatten cattle. Their varieties produce more sugar, it is harvested frequently, so calories are higher and fibre lower. In the UK and Europe, lucerne is grown mainly for horses so their need for lower sugar and higher fibre is better met. Horses fed this lucerne may enjoy better health and soundness than those “over the water” fed too much, too rich alfalfa.

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*WIN* We have a bag of MetaSlim to give away to one lucky winner! MetaSlim is our balancer specifically designed for those challenged by weight or metabolic issues including those affecting their feet. To enter: 1. Like our Facebook Page 2. Comment on this post stating why MetaSlim will benefit your horse! The competition closes on Tuesday 25th April 2017. One winner will be chosen at random. Good luck! T&C's: http://bit.ly/2ov7saj

Georgie Wood Eventing

Thrilled to see Simple System rider Georgie Wood Eventing and Coco doing so well! Congratulations Georgie :)

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With the better weather I think we are all riding more! Make sure your horses are fit for the work you expect of them – work needs to build up gradually or you risk injuring them. Horses sweat when worked hard and their sweat is saltier than their blood, so they will need additional salt. Horses should have free access to a salt lick such as our Salt Lick Tub but this is not convenient to carry around in the horse box when out competing! We have the answer – take one of the sturdy pots of Summer Salt, add 1.5 measures to a standard bucket of water and offer this alongside plain water. You might be surprised how much they enjoy salted water! This is not so strong as to cause dehydration and will help fluid and electrolyte balance.

MetaSlim

Prone to laminitis? Those of us with good doers dread the spring as the new grass coming through can tip our lami-prone friends over the edge. There is no substitute for careful management of these vulnerable equines but we can all use a little help! MetaSlim is a great feed as it gives excellent nutritional support to sensitive hooves and also has some valuable natural ingredients that help maintain stable blood levels. Use 100g for every 100kg of the ideal (not the actual) weight per day, divided between two feeds. For best results, mix with other feeds from the Simple System range that are appropriate – LucieStalks and/or LucieFibre Cubes for chubbies; LucieNut and/or GreenGold for the slim Jims. Look out for cresty necks, fat pads and reluctance to trot on hard or rough surfaces. A pulse in the pastern area, the hollow over the eye filling and standing with the front feet together and slightly in front of the vertical should all ring alarm bells. If your horse, pony or donkey is in pain, you will need to consult with your vet. At Simple System, we feel sensible feeding and sound management cannot be separated, so do contact us, on 01728 604008 or info@simplesystem.co.uk, if you would like to discuss any aspect of your equine’s nutrition or care.

We had a lovely evening at Budleigh Salterton Riding School on Tuesday, in the delightful Oak Barn Café – what an amazing, hand crafted, traditional style, oak timber building. Many thanks to the charming ladies who were impressed enough to give Jane personal thanks! Sarah organised this on behalf of the South West BD group and Rob was our host, making sure we were fed and watered. We had a good discussion exchanging ideas. Jane now has a well-earned break for a couple of weeks back in the office before her next foray to the West Country.