Oats + Pasture mix??

[JackDaniels]

I have a section D cob who seems to lack in energy from time to time, my riding instructor has recommended feeding oats to improve his stamina and give him a bit more energy.

Before feeding oats I used to feed a pasture mix with Alfa A. So I just added oats to his feed (so he is eating pasture mix, alfa a and oats). Only I've been told that I shouldn't feed oats with the pasture mix as they have opposite effects and the feed is now unbalanced.

I have been suggested :
feed a normal cube with oats and a bit of beet or alfa a, 200ml of vegetable oil a day, and a vitamin balancer, ( or to feed a competition mix only I don't want to go down the road of super expensive competition mixes)

but surely this is pretty much the same as i am feeding now?
Any suggestions???

[carthorse]

No reason you can't feed oats with Pasture Mix. Yes they will unbalance the ration a little bit but the Alfa A is already doing this - in fact the oats will help balance out the high calcium content of the Alfa A! The unbalancing effect would be no different with a cube than the pasture mix so I don't see why someone advised you to change the pasture mix for a cube. Re the sugar beet or oil - neither of these will give the quick release energy that I think you're looking for & both of them will tend to put weight oneasily which may not be what you want with a sec D (in fact if he's plump that may be some of your problem!)

Personally I'd add oats to his existing ration rather than go for Competition Mix because it means you can gradually increase the oats until you get the result you want & if he has a few days with less work you can easily reduce the oats so he doesn't get too hot.

[JackDaniels]

thanks for your comments! he's not at all overweight and is in excellent condition - which is why i dont get his lethargy! perhaps it is just due to the changing season and the fact he is turned out in a big group of horses and maybe doesn't get enough rest..
i spke to my friend who runs a tack shop and she suggested the winergie equilibrium.. but its expensive and doesn't last at all long..
think i'll stick with my pony cube and oats combo..

[Mossy]

Moss gets fed mix and, as needed oats to suit. It suits him well enough. Some folks are scared of oats but feed to need and you should be OK

[Afellpony]

I feed Falcon Cool Mix (when I can get it) but when I cant, I feed Ride and Relax. I fed him Pasture Mix when I first got hm but that made him act like a looney!!!! So, changed to more calming foods!!!!! I wouldn't dare give him oats noooooooo waaaaay!!!!!!

[Afellpony]

Double posted this message.

[showjumper-zoe]

I would feed a balancer with the oats

[puzzles]

If in doubt you can always contact a nutritionist for more help.

Many nutritionists - Dengie included - do recommend feeding a handful or so of oats alongside the current ration so long that the feed is already balanced.
It won't be so unbalanced as to cause worry, so I thnk you should be find - add/take them away gradually though.

xx