Q I have a 18-year-old TBx who is still in regular work, but I have noticed that he is starting to lose weight. Does this mean he needs to start on a veteran feed? I am a bit reluctant to try one as she tends to be fizzy.

Answer
The age that a horse becomes a 'veteran' depends on the individual. There are many horses who are old before their time, whereas many defy time remarkably. If you are sure that your horse is in good health, and you have checked for possible worm burdens and dental problems then it sounds as though he may need a more tailored diet.

Although some veteran mixes contain high levels of cereal, that provides quick-release energy associated with 'fizziness', Dengie Alfa-Senior provides mainly 'slow release' energy. It is high in digestible fibre and oil with less reliance on energy from cereal starch, making it ideal for older horses and ponies in work or to provide condition without over-exuberance. Feeding a yeast culture or probiotic, e.g. Dengie XP Triple Action or Yea-Sacc, makes maintaining condition easier by improving overall feed utilisation. New scientific trials have proven that Dengie XP Triple Action significantly improves overall feed utilisation. It increases fibre digestion and the absorption of certain minerals above that seen by feeding yeast alone.