Saracen Shape-Up is a high fibre mix that has been designed to help maintain a healthy metabolism, whilst providing a low intake diet for a good-doer.
About the tester: 6-year-old Winnie is owned by Josie. The Connemara cross is known for being on the larger side, and Josie has always battled to keep her weight off even with a restricted diet and being worked 6 days a week. By being on such a limited diet, Josie was concerned that Winnie hasn’t been getting her essential vitamins and minerals. Josie and Winnie are also eventing at BE80 & 90 level, and they were struggling with maintaining Winnie’s energy when out eventing.
Josie decided to try Saracen Shape-Up. It is suitable for horses with metabolic issues, and the added magnesium helps maintain normal cell sensitivity to insulin, nerve transmission and muscle contraction. It’s designed for horses which are in work, that need energy and condition without those extra calories – perfect for a good-doer like Winnie! She is out competing every other weekend and this gives her everything I was already feeding – but cheaper, and in one simple bag of feed. Shape-Up also contains a Biotin hoof supplement, as well as Omega 3 fatty acids for joint and mobility support, so it’s made my feeding regime much easier.
There’s nothing else like Shape-Up on the market, being high in fibre, low in starch and sugar. It also contains cinnamon which helps aid palatability – helpful for those fussy feeders that still need to watch their weight! I was concerned that a mix might irritate her stomach and aggravate any potential ulcers; however, Shape-Up is cereal free and includes ‘Acid Buf’ to help maintain a healthy digestive environment in horses and ponies on a restricted ration.
Closing remark: Winnie has been on Shape-Up for 5 weeks now, I have noticed a huge improvement in her coat condition, and a noticeable amount of weight loss as well. She also has more energy, as it is a slow-release energy feed. With some advice from Lucy at Saracen, I also started Winnie on some recovery mash. In the hot weather this is ideal, and has helped even more with her energy levels. She hasn’t been getting some every day, just after the dressage (to help her in the jumping phases out at BE events) and after cross county, to encourage her to drink more and replenish essential salts potentially lost.
I am less apprehensive about feeding her now, as with the Shape-Up she is maintaining her weight so much better. I am now looking at stepping her up to after such a fantastic result at our last event, having another double clear, as she is starting to be a bit faster and making the time due to having more energy. Winnie will definitely be staying on Saracen Shape-Up for the future!
