**COMPETITION CLOSED**
Win a Summer Horse & Rider Hamper plus £50 of Dengie Feed Vouchers!
Warm sunny days, shows with friends, long hacks and beach rides means that summer is here!
Up for grabs this month is a fantastic bundle of goodies essential for any horse or rider worth £250! Included in the prize is a Dengie branded Saddlecloth plus £50 of Dengie Feed Vouchers!
**COMPETITION CLOSED**
If you would like further information on any of the Dengie products or a personalized diet plan for your horse please call our feedline on 01621 841188 or click here to fill in our feed advice form.
Terms & Conditions: This competition will close at 11.59pm on 30th June 2023. One entry per person. One lucky winner will be selected from the correct entries and be notified via email within 7 days of the competition closing. Prize consists of: £50 of Dengie Feed vouchers, Dengie GP Saddlecloth (Full), Small Swallow TubTrug, Dengie feed stirrer, Tubcover, Dengie Weight Management Guide, Dengie Weightape, Hippo Net, NAF Blueberry & Banana Treats, Dengie baseball cap, Dengie lightweight snood, Toggi Ladies Socks, NAF Off Citronella Spray, Elasticated Fly Fringe (Full), NAF Show Off Shampoo, Mane & Tail Conditioner Spray, Hoof Moisturiser, Sponge, Body Wash Brush, LeMieux Flexi Body Brush, Brush Plaiting Kit, Mane & Tail Brush, Equi-Flector Breastplate (Cob/Full). No cash alternative available. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Open to UK mainland residents only. Click here for full Terms & conditions
A research collaboration between Dengie and Writtle University College has provided more insight into the relationship between horse’s chew time and consumption rates.
One of the greatest challenges for owners of good doers is finding the balance between feeding sufficient forage to maintain gut health without resulting in excessive weight gain. Increased awareness of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) has contributed to this concern as a significant risk factor for ulcers is feeding too little forage. However, many forages are too high in energy (calories) and cause horses and ponies to gain weight when fed in larger amounts. Unfortunately misunderstandings about the use of straw have meant that many horse owners have shied away from feeding it to their horses, but recent studies have started to explore the use of straw and are demonstrating that it has many positive attributes, both as a low calorie forage and for slowing horses and ponies down when eating. We felt there were some areas that could be explored in more detail to further reassure horse owners that straw is a really useful forage source, especially for those with good doers and overweight horses.
The research trial was conducted by final year student Nadine Mostert who is studying for a degree in Equine Performance and Business Management at Writtle University College. Nadine conducted a cross-over study design over a 2-week period, whereby all eight horses used in the study were offered two diets; one that was 100% haylage and one that combined 50% oat straw and 50% haylage. Nadine measured the horse’s bodyweight, chewing rate, consumption rate and number of bowel movements and compared these variables between the two diets.
Nadine found a greater reduction in bodyweight for horses on the oat straw diet during the first week. Chewing rate on the oat straw diet was also lower than chewing rate on the haylage diet on Day 1, but on Day 7, chewing rate on the oat straw diet was higher than that of the haylage diet. Interestingly, the consumption rate remained lower on the oat straw diet compared to the haylage diet on Day 1 and Day 7, but this difference was statistically significant on Day 7. This suggests that there wasn’t a direct correlation between chewing rate and consumption as Nadine explains “what seemed to slow them down is the novelty and decreased palatability of the oat straw. Introducing something new or less palatable likely results in an increase in sorting or searching behaviour. While this does not directly correspond to actual intake, it will prolong feeding which is beneficial in the context of welfare and gastric ulcers”.
This is a key takeaway from the research but as Katie Williams M.Sc. (Dist) Technical Manager at Dengie highlights, the study also showed there is considerable variation between horses. “The study was so revealing in that it showed the chew rates varied considerably between individuals so, like humans, horses eat at different rates. Some individuals varied in response to changes in the forage but others were remarkably consistent in the number of chews they made whatever forage they received – clearly they weren’t distracted or slowed down by anything when they were eating! This may reflect the breed or type of horse which is another area of study we want to explore ”
For more information about the study watch our video below.
For more information on forage for the good doer or for help and advice on all aspects of feeding call the Dengie Feedline: 01621 841188 or complete our Feed Advice Form.
**COMPETITION CLOSED**
Win a Coldstream Clothing Base Layer and Quilted Gilet plus £50 of Dengie Feed Vouchers!
Coldstream is an equestrian brand inspired by the legendary showjumper Hydrophane Coldstream. The Coldstream range, like the horse, reflects high quality and performance, delivering innovative, technical, and on trend pieces.
This month we are offering you the chance to win their Midlem Short Sleeve Base Layer in Blue and a Southdean Quilted Gilet.
The Midlem Short Sleeve Base Layer has been carefully designed for ultimate performance, breathability, durability and comfort. Whilst the lightweight Southdean Quilted Gilet has been engineered from premium faux duck down filling that traps warm air, offering an insulated piece for those cooler days.
**COMPETITION CLOSED**
If you would like further information on any of the Dengie products or a personalized diet plan for your horse please call our feedline on 01621 841188 or fill in our feed advice form.
Terms & Conditions: This competition will close at 11.59pm on 31st May 2023. One entry per person. One lucky winner will be selected from the correct entries and be notified via email within 7 days of the competition closing. Prize consists of a Midlem Short Sleeve Base Layer in Blue (RRP £44.99) and a Southdean Quilted Gilet (RRP £84.99) plus £50 of Dengie Feed vouchers. No cash alternative available. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Open to UK mainland residents only. Click here for full Terms & Conditions
We are delighted to announce our highly popular Healthy Hooves Molasses Free is the latest product in the range to have a packaging makeover. Healthy Hooves Molasses Free will still be easily recognisable in its distinctive purple bag but will now feature ‘Seren’ who was the winner of our competition in 2022 to be the new Dengie ‘Pony on Pack’.
There were some great entries, but the most moving story was Naomi and her pony Seren who was diagnosed with liver disease in 2021 and came down with laminitis shortly after. It was touch and go for a while but after a successful dorsal wall resection, lots of box rest and a change in diet they are back doing what they love. Naomi spent a lot of time researching low sugar feeds and came across Healthy Hooves Molasses Free, Seren has been on it ever since.
“Seren’s health seriously deteriorated, and our world was turned upside down” says Naomi. “Recovery was a long road but with a fantastic farrier, a great team of vets and a revised diet plan including soaked hay and Healthy Hooves Molasses Free, Seren is looking and feeling better than ever!”
Dengie Healthy Hooves Molasses Free is still the same great product, a nutritionally balanced, low-calorie, high-fibre feed which contains essential nutrients for healthy hooves. The alfalfa provides a natural source of calcium and other important minerals known to help improve the structural integrity of hoof horn. A comprehensive range of vitamins and minerals are also included, complementing those naturally occurring in the alfalfa. Dengie Healthy Hooves Molasses Free also supplies a full range of B vitamins, including biotin to help with hoof growth and health.
Healthy Hooves Molasses Free also contains Methyl Sulphonyl Methane, commonly known as MSM, which provides a source of bio-available sulphur. Sulphur is found in all body tissues but is particularly important for hooves because it is needed to bond keratin fibres together in the unique way that gives hoof horn its hardness and flexibility.
Healthy Hooves Molasses Free contains just 2.5% sugar, which is found naturally in the ingredients used. Starch levels are also extremely low, at just 1.5%, because the feed is completely free from cereals or grains.
When fed at the recommended rate of 500g per 100kg bodyweight, Healthy Hooves Molasses Free will provide the horse with all the vitamins and minerals they need, including the recommended amount of biotin and good levels of MSM.
**COMPETITION CLOSED**
Enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning tickets to Badminton Horse Trials!
The countdown to Badminton Horse Trials begins here…
…and to celebrate we are giving you the chance to win one of two pairs of tickets to the Cross Country test on Sunday 7th May 2023 plus car parking and a Dengie Goody bag containing a £50 feed voucher!
**COMPETITION CLOSED**
If you would like further information on any of the Dengie products or a personalized diet plan for your horse please call our feedline on 01621 841188 or click here to fill in our feed advice form.
Terms & Conditions: This competition will close at 11.59pm on 23rd April 2023. One entry per person. Two lucky winners will be selected from the correct entries and be notified via email within 7 days of the competition closing. Prize consists of: 2 x standard admission tickets for Sunday 7th May 2023, 1 x Sunday Car Parking Pass and 1 x Dengie Goody Bag which includes a £50 Dengie Feed Voucher which will need to be collected from the Dengie stand in the World of the Horse Pavilion on the day. No cash alternative available. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Open to UK mainland residents only. Click here for full Terms & conditions
**COMPETITION CLOSED**
Win an Ariat Coastal Waterproof Jacket, worth £180 plus £50 of Dengie Feed Vouchers!
Water dares try to penetrate this waterproof jacket from Ariat. It’s expertly engineered with an earth-friendly waterproof finish plus sealed seams and zippers for the ultimate protection.
- AriatTEK® Cold Series technology keeps body core warm
- Breathable waterproof seam sealing and zipper construction
- EcoDry™ finish offers earth-friendly protection against the elements
- Bluesign® fabric meets strict environmental standards
- Removable hood
- Saddle vents
- Zippered hand and chest pockets
- Internal zip pocket
- Two-way zipper
**COMPETITION CLOSED**
If you would like further information on any of the Dengie products or a personalised diet plan for your horse please call our feedline on 01621 841188 or click here to fill in our feed advice form.
Terms & Conditions: This competition will close at 11.59pm on 31st March 2023. One entry per person. One lucky winner will be selected from the correct entries and be notified via email within 7 days of the competition closing. Prize consists of an Ariat Coastal Waterproof Jacket in the colour Relic worth £180 plus £50 of Dengie Feed vouchers. No cash alternative available. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Open to UK mainland residents only. Click here for full terms & conditions
**COMPETITION CLOSED**
Let your horse relax with comforting heat and massage. With the choice of heat and two types of massage, the Equilibrium Massage Mitt Hotspot can be used in various ways:
- Use cyclical massage when you are holding the Hotspot still to target a specific area or trigger point
- Use continuous massage when moving the Hotspot in a sweeping action over larger areas, allowing it to deliver the same message to the muscles
- Use heat to help increase circulation. Normally used for sensitive horses or muscles prior to stretching
- Use both heat and massage together for the ultimate combination. This is best used in one area or over a small area
All horses and ponies could certainly benefit from the Massage Mitt, including those:
- At rest/retirement
- In work from hacking to competition. This includes horses returning to work or retraining
- For older horse
- Horses on box rest, standing in for long periods of time or on limited turnout
**COMPETITION CLOSED**
If you would like further information on any of the Dengie products or a personalised diet plan for your horse please call our feedline on 01621 841188 or click here to fill in our feed advice form.
Terms & Conditions: This competition will close at 11.59pm on 28th February 2023. One entry per person. One lucky winner will be selected from the correct entries and be notified via email within 7 days of the competition closing. Prize consists of an Equilibrium Massage Mitt Hotspot worth £135 plus £50 of Dengie Feed vouchers. No cash alternative available. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Open to UK mainland residents only. Click here for full terms & conditions
At the end of each year our team of nutritionists look back at the number and nature of the enquiries we have received to our helpline over the last 12 months.
Data collected from enquiries has shown that promoting condition safely remains the topic most frequently asked about. Many horse owners were keen to avoid or reduce the amount of cereals their horses were consuming, and so were looking for high quality fibre and high oil feeds, such as Dengie Alfa-A Oil instead.
What is really encouraging is that horse owners were also contacting us about horses and ponies at the other end of the spectrum too. It can be a fine balance to provide enough fibre without promoting weight gain, particularly with trying to reduce the risk of gastric ulcers at the forefront of many horse owner’s minds and it was this finding that came out of market research we conducted a couple of years ago and resulted in the launch of Dengie Ulser Lite.
Enquiries relating to gastric ulcers have also increased over the last couple of years making it the third most popular topic horse owners asked about in 2022, up from fifth spot in 2020. The Dengie Feedline team have also seen an increase in the number of enquiries regarding good doers or overweight horses prone to or being diagnosed with gastric ulcers breaking the stereotype of the typical ‘skinny’ ulcer prone individual.
Making forage go further was another key question which is no surprise in a year when the extreme weather greatly reduced forage yields in many areas of the country. What may surprise horse owners is the wide variety of animals the Dengie Feedline team are asked about so whilst not the most numerous, they are often the most unusual and test the team’s knowledge. The fibre feeds Dengie produce are suitable for a wide variety of species and so enquiries come in for everything from rabbits to elephants! Alfa-A Original is fed to many of the animals at Paradise Wildlife Park including zebra, tapir and camels.
The top 5 topics that horse owners enquired about in 2022 were:
- Promoting condition safely
- Providing sufficient fibre for good doers without resulting in weight gain
- Enquiries relating to gastric ulcers
- How to extend or replace hay
- Fibre feeds for horses with dental issues
The Dengie Nutrition team are on hand to answer any feeding queries horse owners may have from what to feed a recently weaned foal to fuelling energy in the competition horse or providing fibre fore a veteran who struggles to chew hay.
For more information about Dengie’s feeds or for help and advice on all aspects of feeding call the Dengie Feedline: 01621 841188 or complete our Feed Advice Form.
**COMPETITION CLOSED**
Enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning a bale of Dengie Pure Grass or Meadow Grass with Herbs & Oil plus a bag of Dengie Pure Grass Pellets!
Dengie’s range of grass products are the ideal way of counteracting the decline in pasture quality and replacing forage. Produced using only the finest grasses grown by UK farmers, Dengie Meadow Grass with Herbs & Oil, Pure Grass and Pure Grass Pellets are made from 100% natural ingredients and are FREE from:
- Artificial preservatives, flavours and additives
- Molasses – no added sugar
- Cereals and cereal by-products including straw
**COMPETITION CLOSED**
If you would like further information on any of the Dengie products or a personalised diet plan for your horse please call our feedline on 01621 841188 or click here to fill in our feed advice form.
Terms & Conditions: This competition will close at 11.59pm on 31st January 2023. One entry per person. Ten lucky winners will be selected from the correct entries and be notified via email within 7 days of the competition closing. Each winner will receive a voucher that is redeemable at their local Dengie stockist for one bale of Dengie Pure Grass or Meadow Grass with Herbs & Oil plus a voucher for a bag of Dengie Pure Grass Pellets. No cash alternative available. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Open to UK mainland residents only. Click here for full Terms & condititions
Dengie have been working with the British Dressage Youth Foundation Academy for four years now, visiting various camps around the country as well as giving online lectures during the Covid-19 pandemic. Post covid, the Dengie team were delighted to be attending in person again this year and wanted to share some of the fantastic opportunities these training camps offer to young and aspiring dressage riders.
Foundation Academy riders are selected from B-A squad riders who are active in their region and are achieving scores of over 66% at Elementary and above. Riders receive coaching and performance development sessions both mounted and unmounted over two 2-day camps running through Autumn/ Winter. The aim of the Academy is to develop all-round equestrian athletes and so include sessions on rider fitness, ridden coaching, test riding and lecture demonstrations with industry professionals.
“I really enjoy watching the riders and their horses improve over the course of the camps” says Hannah James, Youth Development Officer at British Dressage. “It’s lovely to follow their progress throughout the year and seeing them put the skills they have learnt at the camps into practice when out competing”. Hannah coordinates the BD Youth activities including the Foundation and National Academies.
Performance Horse Nutritionist Claire Akers, MSc from Dengie Horse Feeds has been on hand at the Foundation Academy camps to offer nutrition advice to the riders as well as giving nutrition talks on a variety of different subjects including gastric ulcers and the digestive system using Dengie’s life size model ‘Harry the Gut’. “The difference between winning and losing can be so slim in the equine world” explains Claire. “Ensuring performance horses have the best nutrition possible to make sure they are as happy and healthy as they can be to compete and perform at the top can make all the difference in picking up those extra marks”.
Molly Esberger-Shepherd is in her second year of the Foundation Academy and was also one of only twelve National Academy athletes selected for 2022. “I feel like I have learnt so much on the Foundation Academy camps and all the different elements we take part in have been so interesting” explains Molly. “I have really enjoyed my lessons with Hannah Moody, I could feel and see improvements in my riding and my pony Harry’s way of going when comparing the videos from the first and second camps. I also found the Dengie nutrition talk really interesting, I couldn’t believe how long the horse’s small intestine is and I also found the case studies Claire talked about really thought-provoking with the before and after photos. I would definitely recommend the Foundation Academy camps; they are lots of fun, and I have learnt so much!”
Veterinary student Amy Charlton is in her first year of the Foundation Academy. “I wasn’t sure what to expect but it has been such a valuable experience and very different to the BD Youth Camps I have attended previously” says Amy. “As my own horse is injured, I have borrowed different horses for the two camps, so it has been interesting to pick up and learn different things. The camps are full on with lots to do and learn and although I am shattered at the end of the weekend, I love it and would absolutely recommend the experience! I have also found the non-ridden side of things interesting; the goal setting has been useful, and I found Claire’s talk on gastric ulcers helpful as my own horse has recently been diagnosed with them. The nutrition talk was also fascinating from a vet student point of view, and I found ‘Harry the Gut’ really helps to visualise and understand the horse’s digestive system”.
The BD Youth Foundation academy is a fantastic pathway for budding young dressage riders helping them to develop their riding and skills. It is a great example of a range of different professionals in the equine industry coming together to help up and coming junior riders to achieve their best