Speedi Results for Endurance Horse
Vikki Meikle, based near Crewe, Cheshire has owned her horse
Pride of O'Malley for 10 years.
O'Malley, as he is known around the stable, is a 14-year-old
Irish Draught X Thoroughbred and they have an excellent partnership
which they put to the test by competing in endurance riding.
Although not a typical endurance horse, thanks to a carefully
planned feeding regime O'Malley has been on top form.
Said Vikki: "I would have to say O'Malley is not the usual type
of endurance horse, but he is living proof that all types and
breeds can be successful in the sport. O'Malley seems to really
enjoy endurance rides and settles well over the distance, you also
get to see some wonderful and remote parts of the countryside."
Vikki started entering endurance competitions last year through
the Sport Endurance organisation. This year she progressed to
faster and longer rides which meant an overview of O'Malley's
feeding regime was needed as Vikki was finding his energy levels
were beginning to flag towards the end of rides.
O'Malley was receiving feed balancer and an alfalfa based chaff.
Keen to maintain a fibre based diet, Vikki decided to try
Speedi-Beet to help with energy levels and stamina. The high fibre,
low sugar profile of Speedi-Beet was suitable for O'Malley as he is
prone to be being a good doer and can often be hot headed.
Said Vikki: "Since feeding Speedi-Beet I have been delighted
with the results. I've found that his energy levels have
improved, giving him more staying power during the ride, without
creating any added 'excitability' problems."
Vikki also uses small amounts of Speedi-Beet in O'Malley's water
to encourage him to drink more, both during and after rides which
helps to keep him hydrated. In terms of overall condition,
Vikki is very pleased that she has been able to maintain his
current physique; despite the fact that he finds Speedi-Beet highly
palatable!
Vikki and O'Malley recently came second in the 20 Mile Free
Speed class at the Sport Endurance Sherwood Pines Extravaganza,
where they won a Speedi-Beet voucher. Vikki is now looking forward
to future rides this summer including Sandon, Cheshire View and Dee
Valley, North Wales.
British Horse Feeds are keen supporters of the endurance world
and are sponsoring this year's Red Dragon Festival of Endurance
held at the Royal Welsh Showground from 2nd -
4th October.
Speedi-Beet is ideal for endurance horses as it is high in
fibre, which helps provide the required stamina for horses to
compete over long distances.
It also provides rapid re-hydration for performance horses
whilst optimising energy release rate. This is due to the soluble
fibre in Speedi-Beet, which has a high water holding capacity
increasing the amount of fluid in the horses' hindgut. This
reservoir can then be drawn upon during prolonged exercise such as
endurance riding to help replace water lost through sweating.
Adding small amounts of Speedi-Beet to water may also encourage
difficult horses to drink during events.
Speedi-Beet is available in easy to handle 20 kg bags and
retails at around £8.90-9.90.
Picture Caption: "Vikki and Pride of O'Malley competing."
Photograph courtesy of Bob Turner Photography
