The 12 days of Christmas. 12 equine products I couldn't live without. Number 3....!

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 12 equine products I (Ceaser) couldn't live without!

The third product I want to recommend is Chestnut Horse Feeds, not only for their fantastic feed but brilliant customer service.

The avid readers of my blog will already know that I had energy level problems with Ceaser for quite a while, so when I found Chestnut feeds it was a refreshing change. 

I first heard of Chestnut feeds from fellow Charles James Fox sponsor, Show jumper, Tori Twite who speaks very highly of their feed and what they have to offer. Then when I was interviewing Geoff Billington and Oliver Townend last week on their Edge of Glory Tour, Chestnut Feeds came up in conversation regularly and I thought if its good enough for their horses then it was definitely worth looking at. 

The lovely Lisa from Chestnut Feeds agreed to do a yard visit once she returned off the Edge of Glory tour to show me the feeds and talk through all of my horses requirements. This was a year ago and we have since not looked back!

Upon meeting Lisa I told her I was fed up of having to feed my six horses all different and individual feeds. Of course I understood Ceaser couldn't have the same feed as my Thoroughbred and my laminitic pony couldn't have the same as the good-doer pony... However I was sure we were spending ample amounts of money on various types of feeds when in reality, there must be a way of doing it differently.

The experts working at the company have designed the feed range with palatability in mind and have carried out extensive research to ensure they only offer feed that is both nutritionally balanced and appetising. Each feed has been made with individual horses in mind.

The feed includes:

NO Chemically processed ingredients 
NO syntehtic materials
NO by-products from industrial processes
NO Animal by-products or fishmeal

Chestnut Feeds also offer a unique Bulk Bin Feeding System that enables you to pick the size bin you want; either small or large and that is then delivered straight to your door with the feed of your choice in. When your bin is running low you simply place your next order and they will replace the empty bin with a full one. 

I told Lisa that I wanted Ceaser on a feed that provided him with enough energy to compete in the type of competitions he does, such as affiliated level dressage, but not get fizzy on it. I have noticed lately he's been getting a "Lucozade effect" type of energy where he'll have a sudden burst, take off, spook and then 10 minutes later have no energy left. I explained I needed something that had a slow release energy but something I could rely on to provide with him enough to compete at 3-day competitions as well as keep his condition. 

As well as this I needed something for the riding school ponies, as well as my old laminitic pony and the thoroughbred that could get fizzy at the sight of oats. 

Lisa was absolutely fantastic and together we sat down, worked out what I am feeding the horses now, how much I am spending and what in reality they all require as individual feeding needs. 

Ceaser is on their Alpha plus which is a digestible balanced blend of alfalfa, oil and cereals complete with vitamins and minerals. 

What I like is that it is not only suitable for competition horses but also veterans - so I have something that is almost made uniquely to suit Ceasers needs. As well as this, one of their bins lasts me about 5 months so I am making a huge saving! I have been on Chestnut feeds just over a year now and I am still only on Ceaser's third bin! 

The riding school ponies are on Chestnut Lite. Its low in sugar molasses but still has all the vitamins and minerals needed for good condition. 

My thoroughbred is on to Alfa Easy which is a slow releasing energy food that has low starch and high fibre meaning it helps to avoid over exuberant behaviour and maintain and even temperament. It is also suitable for ponies at risk of laminitis!

All of the feed I am now feeding is a complete feed so there is no more hassle of having to buy different Hi-Fi for different ponies and then a different mix to suit each one. Whilst running a very busy riding school and livery yard its hard to keep a tab on what each pony is having and keeping track of ordering all their feed. At least now we can worry less and know that our feed will be delivered when we need it.

I would highly recommend Chestnut Horse Feeds to anyone looking at changing their horses feed and wanting a balanced diet but still with all the added goodness. For those who went to the Edge of Glory Tour you cannot deny how good Geoff's horses looked and all of his are fed on Chestnut Feeds! 

To view the website for more information please visit their website.  Don't forget to quote "Sian Lovatt" when you buy your feed though please! 

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Update on Ceaser and introducing the lovely Chester

It occurred to me this morning that I haven't done an update on Ceaser for quite some time now and rather rudely I haven't introduced the lovely new addition; gentle giant, Chester.

Ceaser is going absolute fantastic, I cannot wait to get him out doing some dressage and showing now the weather has cleared up a little. Whilst the initial plan was to dressage him over the winter in preparation for more veteran classes throughout the summer, the snow caused some disruptions and so I decided to give him a couple of weeks off competing and allow us both to have some fun.

As a result of this we have been doing a lot more hacking, jumping and pole work on top of our usual schooling sessions. However, we are now on track - providing the snow stays away - and our season is due to start in 2 weeks time once I return from my Birthday treat, a weekend away in the New Forest!

I was rather surprised on my Birthday to receive the lovely news that I was in the top 10 of the Equestrian Social Media awards nominations and through to the second and final round. This has been an amazing achievement for me and to be quite frank, I don't think it has even sunk in yet!

Mark and I have been having great fun with Ceaser, recording my required acceptance speech should I win. Whilst the creating of the video caused endless amounts of blood, sweat and tears (well not exactly, but still...) I think it is safe to say all three of us had an enjoyable time having a play with the camera and have some real good 'bloopers' to share with you all in a few weeks time! They are, simply priceless.

Ceaser's schooling and summer showing preparation is going well. Those that read my blog will know I was having a difficult time a couple of months ago deciding what type of bit to put him in for any level of dressage. For showing he is in a showing type Pelham and usually for dressage he was in a snaffle, for all levels. However, I was finding I wasn't able to get enough collection from him in a snaffle as he had a tendency to take a hold and almost say "I don't need you Mum, I can do it..." which meant we weren't reaching 8's in our collections in tests, yet in a clinic when the pressure was off he was - and I was told he had the ability to go higher!

So, after trying a snaffle and a flash - and rearing our way around the arena, that idea went out the window as it became evident Diva, Ceaser doesn't like a flash on and so I purchased a double bridle. He goes beautifully in this and just like the showing pelham it allows me to really get a super collection before an extension so I can show off his paces perfectly.

Still, this didn't sort out my problem that double bridles are not allowed in any tests under Elementary level. Upon asking my riding instructors advice she asked what bit I school him in at home when I'm just having a "play". When I'm not schooling for anything particular he is in a 3-ring-gag on the second hole because he can be strong when jumping, hacking or sometimes coming down from a canter to trot.

Evidently this is where our problem was and I needed to start and do everything (apart from hacking!) in a snaffle. Easier said than done at first when as he spooked I had nothing to pull him up with and for a few weeks it caused onlookers quite a laugh. However, I have learnt to use my bum a little better, sit deeper and as he goes to take a hold, remind him I am there and we are here to work.

 He has been in the snaffle almost 2 months and schooling beautifully in it. So much so, I think we are ready to go out and do our first dressage test of the year once I get back from my weekend away with Mark. The double bridle will be staying at home so I can see just how much he has improved and get critical feedback on areas that still need time spending on them.

In addition to changing Ceaser's bit I decided to buy him an Equilbrium Massage Pad just incase he did have any underlying problems that was causing him to not want to collect when asked. I talked myself into spending the money by arguing he was 17, was worked most days of the week without many days off and so not only deserved the Massage Pad but it would do his joints and muscles good too.

The pad is clinically proven to promote relaxation and back flexibility as well as helping to increase stride length. It could be an absolute fluke, but since using the pad Ceaser has really started to lengthen a lot more when asked. Whilst he was known for his "flicky toes" before, he is now also striding out into the extension and using his back end much more.

I like to think the pad is working wonders and I ensure I put it on the low setting both before and after I ride to warm up and cool down his muscles. For anyone in two-minds whether or not to get one I would recommend it any day! They are well worth the money.

Now, onto the lovely new addition, Chester. Again, if you are an avid read of my blog you will have noticed that almost a year ago I went to ride a very old friends new horse and we had such a fantastic day reliving our younger years I blogged about it.  So, you can imagine my surprise when almost 12 months later, Chester's owner got in touch and asked whether or not we would like to take Chester on for a while whilst her son was undergoing surgery.

I don't even know why she bothered to ask, who could turn down such a lovely boy! And so...Chester travelled all the way from Leicester to his new home with us in Lincolnshire a few Saturday's ago where he has settled in rather quickly and became very good friends with my dads ex-racehorse, Khalisa.

Rather tall at, 17hh, he is a lot different to what I am used to but it is doing me the world of good schooling something very different to Ceaser! Chester's owner doesn't know much about his past, apart from that he hurdle raced and because of that absolutely adores his jumping.

The plan is to take him out to a few dressage competitions, firstly at Intro level and then move up accordingly. He gets a little stressed when travelling, but nothing too bad, so fingers crossed he soon realises that going in a lorry doesn't mean going to race.

Chester lost a little condition whilst travelling to us as he sweated a little, so upon arrival we straight away put him onto Chestnut Horse Feeds and the difference in him is incredible. Already he is building muscle up in all of the right places and schooling beautifully. His owner, Sam, still comes to visit him most weekends and has allowed us to use him for the advanced riding lessons if we need to. So far he has been a hit with all of our clients!

I hope that in just a few weeks time we will be ready to make our debut on the dressage circuit - watch this space!

Chester showing he is a gentle giant and not phased by anything! Only 2nd time ridden at his new home. 

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On the eleventh day of Christmas my horse gave to me...

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me....

I'm very excited about todays recommendation and cannot wait to see what difference it makes to all of my horses, especially Ceaser's energy levels! 

The eleventh product I want to recommend is Chestnut Horse Feeds, not only for their fantastic feed but brilliant customer service.

The avid readers of my blog will already know that I have been having energy level problems with Ceaser these past few weeks so I have been keen to change my feed for quite a few weeks now.

I first heard of Chestnut feeds from fellow Charles James Fox sponsor, Show jumper, Tori Twite who speaks very highly of their feed and what they have to offer. Then when I was interviewing Geoff Billington and Oliver Townend last week on their Edge of Glory Tour, Chestnut Feeds came up in conversation regularly and I thought if its good enough for their horses then it was definitely worth looking at. 

The lovely Lisa from Chestnut Feeds agreed to do a yard visit for me this week once she returned off the Edge of Glory tour to show me the feeds and talk through all of my horses requirements. 

Upon meeting Lisa I told her I was fed up of having to feed my six horses all different and individual feeds. Of course I understood Ceaser couldn't have the same feed as my Thoroughbred and my laminitic pony couldn't have the same as the good-doer pony... However I was sure we were spending ample amounts of money on various types of feeds when in reality, there must be a way of doing it differently.

The experts working at the company have designed the feed range with palatability in mind and have carried out extensive research to ensure they only offer feed that is both nutritionally balanced and appetising. Each feed has been made with individual horses in mind.

The feed includes:

NO Chemically processed ingredients 
NO syntehtic materials
NO by-products from industrial processes
NO Animal by-products or fishmeal

Chestnut Feeds also offer a unique Bulk Bin Feeding System that enables you to pick the size bin you want; either small or large and that is then delivered straight to your door with the feed of your choice in. When your bin is running low you simply place your next order and they will replace the empty bin with a full one. 

I told Lisa that I wanted Ceaser on a feed that provided him with enough energy to compete in the type of competitions he does, such as affiliated level dressage, but not get fizzy on it. I have noticed lately he's been getting a "Lucozade effect" type of energy where he'll have a sudden burst, take off, spook and then 10 minutes later have no energy left. I explained I needed something that had a slow release energy but something I could rely on to provide with him enough to compete at 3-day competitions as well as keep his condition. 

As well as this I needed something for the riding school ponies, as well as my old laminitic pony and the thoroughbred that could get fizzy at the sight of oats. 

Lisa was absolutely fantastic and together we sat down, worked out what I am feeding the horses now, how much I am spending and what in reality they all require as individual feeding needs. 

Ceaser is going on their Alpha plus which is a digestible balanced blend of alfalfa, oil and cereals complete with vitamins and minerals. 

What I like is that it is not only suitable for competition horses but also veterans - so I have something that is almost made uniquely to suit Ceasers needs. As well as this, one of their bins will hopefully last me 3 months meaning I am saving a huge amount.

The riding school ponies are going on Chestnut Lite. Its low in sugar molasses but still has all the vitamins and minerals needed for good condition. 

My thoroughbred and laminitic pony are going on to Alfa Easy which is a slow releasing energy food that has low starch and high fibre meaning it helps to avoid over exuberant behaviour and maintain and even temperament. It is also suitable for ponies at risk of laminitis which is why it works for both Dougie and Khalisa!

All of the feed I am now feeding is a complete feed so there is no more hassle of having to buy different Hi-Fi for different ponies and then a different mix to suit each one. Whilst running a very busy riding school and livery yard its hard to keep a tab on what each pony is having and keeping track of ordering all their feed. At least now we can worry less and know that our feed will be delivered when we need it.

I would highly recommend Chestnut Horse Feeds to anyone looking at changing their horses feed and wanting a balanced diet but still with all the added goodness. For those who went to the Edge of Glory Tour you cannot deny how good Geoff's horses looked and all of his are fed on Chestnut Feeds! 

I will post an update of how all of my horses are doing on the feed soon!

To view the website for more information please visit their website.  Don't forget to quote "Sian Lovatt" when you buy your feed though please! 

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