Emily Catherall - Equine and Canine Nutrition

05/07/2022

A well deserved qualifying place for a friend of mine! Well done Andy! 👏🏼🦄

I will be there to show my support and to answer any questions people may have! 🐕🐎

05/07/2022

Food for thought - literally! 🤐

Most of my clients horses are turned out overnight where possible during summer but its never too early to be prepared for those long winter months!

Please message me for my last remaining dates in July as I am on holiday at the beginning of August -

Cheshire - 22-24th July
West Midlands - 27-30th July 🤩🐎

CAN YOUR HORSE EAT AT NIGHT?

Horses are grazing animals that have evolved over millions of years to eat low value, high fibre food for up to 18 hours a day – browsing on bushes, trees and shrubs. It is critical for both their physical and mental health that horses have access to low calorie food round the clock. That includes night-time.

Some horse owners seem to believe their horse will spend much of the night sleeping rather than eating and so don't give them much forage. Horses often eat through the night, but of course they can only do this if they actually have something to eat.

A few years ago I analysed 100 of my cases and found that 42 of those horses with behaviour problems were stabled for more than 8 hours without being given any forage at all. This increases the risk of horses developing gastric ulcers, streotypies and a variety of behaviour problems. It also leaves them with absolutely nothing to do except stand waiting until someone comes to feed them or turn them out.

Barbara Hardman MSc from University of Edinburgh presented her research looking at the night-time eating habits of stalled horses at the ISES conference in Canada (2019).

Barbara observed the behaviour of four stabled horses – 2 geldings and 2 mares – when fed either loose haylage on the floor or from two types of slow feeder (the Harmony tricklefeeder and the Pacefeeder). A camera was set up in the stable and photos were taken of of each horse in each condition every 30 seconds from 3pm until 8am the following day.

A small sample size but nonethless the results were very interesting:

When the horses were fed from a slow-feeder, they spent up to 20% more time foraging than if they had loose haylage on the floor of their stall.

The horses ate more haylage from the slow feeders than when it was presented loose on the floor.

When the horses were given loose haylage, they spent 72% more time browsing in their bedding. This could increase the risk of them eating their bedding and having impaction colic as well as inhaling dust and dirt.

Despite the horses eating for longer with the slow feeders, there was no difference in sleep time (either standing or lying down) between the feeding alternatives.

One slow feeder was used as a scratching post and one pony curled up around it to sleep.

Very sadly Barbara reported that the horses stood staring at the stable door from 5am, despite the yard not being busy until 8am. Perhaps waiting for activity, turnout or their morning feed to arrive.

If horses do have to be stabled and/or fed restricted forage diets, this research is extremely useful. Slow-feeders could be used successfully to extend the time that horses spend eating, reducing the risk of them developing gastric ulcers as well as potentially preventing them from eating their bed and any resulting risk of impaction colic.

However, it is vital to ensure horses aren't frustrated by slow feeders or small holed hay nets, this frustration can lead to a number of behaviour problems including aggression.

27/06/2022

Do you want your horse, pony or dog looking in perfect shape with feed and supplements to suit their needs and your budget? 💰

We all know the cost of living is swinging against us currently and I'd love to help you save some cash whilst not compromising the health of your wonderful pets! 🐎🐕

For all July bookings, I am offering a 30% discount on consultations per horse with fuel included if I come to more than one horse/dog at a time! 🎖 I have space to cover the West Midlands, Cheshire and limited dates in Lancashire too!

Please Message or WhatsApp me for availability!

27/06/2022

With this warm and humid weather, it's incredibly important we keep our friends hydrated! Like many, Max hates drinking at a competition or when we are out training!

The easiest way to overcome this is to feed a water based mash full of essential vitamins and minerals that need to be replenished!

I always recommend options such as Saracens Recovery Mash, Spilllers Perform and Restore Mash or Havens Slobber Mash, which all contain Electrolytes, Vitamin E (helping to kickstart rehydration and muscle recovery) and have the most lovely natural flavourings for the most fussy of eaters!

I always keep some in the back of my lorry to soak between classes 🦄🐴

24/06/2022

And we're back 😎🦄

After moving house and completing my Diploma L3 in Canine Nutrition, I'm excited to offer this as an additional service alongside my Equine Consultations! My website is in progress and a new logo too, watch this space...

Also a quick note that I am now based in the West Midlands and South Staffordshire, however I can of course make trips to Cheshire and Shropshire for new and existing clients 🥰🏡

28/09/2021

SPACE FOR THE CHESHIRE AREA!

I have a couple of spaces this coming Sunday 3rd October in the Cheshire area, please message me to book 🦄

12:00
14:00

24/09/2021

Earlier in the week I visited this wonderful gentleman. Aren't I just so lucky?! 🥰🦄

Dino is a wonderful 30yr old Draught X who had given his wonderful owner over 25 years of cherished memories.

Dino, like other elderly men, has a few complex issues such as Irritable Bowl Disease, Arthritis and Cushings, which are all very well managed through medicine but mean his diet is slightly more complex than your usual customer!

I thrive on meeting and helping horses like Dino, who's owner wants to help him keep the weight he has gained over summer coming into the winter months 🌟

Taking bookings for October, I can also offer video or email consultations for a discounted rate if you are out of area!

📸

22/09/2021

Due to a swap around with schedules, I have some dates in Sept available for Cheshire and surrounding areas:

24th
25th
26th

Please message me to book 🥰🤞🏼

22/09/2021

Another happy client 🦄

Liz and Finn were one of my clients and they see me twice a year to make sure Finn's looking and feeling the best coming through the big seasonal changes.

Finn was diagnosed with EMS a few years ago and has also struggled with Laminitis in the past. He has been Lami free for some time now and is enjoying his varied and increased work load massively 😁

Our task is to keep him looking well and building muscle correctly whilst keeping his starch and sugar intake to an absolute minimum!

🕶🥰

17/09/2021

WE'RE BACK!!

After a funny old 12 months, 2 lockdowns, 2 house moves and new job later I can confirm that my books are fully open once again! 🌞📸

Want your competition horse looking tip top over the winter months?

Struggling to keep the weight on your young/older horse?

Message me and I can formulate a plan to ensure you're doing the best for your horses mind and body! 🦄🦄

Due to personal movements I will be covering Cheshire, Shropshire and bits of South Staffs

21/07/2020

Today's Client - Tiger Lily 🤩

She has struggled with Laminitis in the past and her owners want to ensure she stays fit and healthy with her increased workload! What a sweetheart 🦄

Now taking bookings for August! Message me for details!

15/07/2020

🦄 final few July slots remaining!

I have been overwhelmed with interest for July and have only a couple of free days (both week and weekend) left. These are for both mini - £25 and full consultations - £45

Please message me for more details 🦄

10/06/2020

🌞 Now taking bookings 🌞

Due to the recent relaxation of Covid-19 regulations, I am now able to take bookings for online and face to face consultations (hooray!).

I will be adhering to full social distancing practices and only to visit yards where the owners/managers are happy for me to do so.

With the recent rain and warm weather, the burnt spring grass has been rejuvenated and this may cause a second wave of laminitis to occur - not what we want after not being able to enjoy our horses for 12 weeks!

I have limited space left for June so please message me to arrange an appointment and discuss your needs.

Stay Safe!

Emily 🐎

06/04/2020

Happy Monday! 🌞

I would like to wish all of my clients well during this difficult period we are all experiencing.

As most small businesses alike, I am not currently taking on and visiting clients until things calm, though I will be posting helpful hints, tips and articles as much as possible!

The first of these is the following:

Consider lockdown rules when feeding your horse! Many people have discovered that their horses are feeling a little fresh recently.

The decrease in workload coupled with spring grass may mean that they have an influx of unused carbohydrates and sugar in the body and alongside being a little more 'sharp' than usual, and this makes life difficult, especially when we cannot ride!

For the mean time: stay safe, stay at home where possible don't be silly and we will prevail.

https://thehorse.com/111768/spring-grass-safety/

01/03/2020

March is here and Spring might just be making an appearance (let's hope for a break in the weather!) 🦄

Now is the perfect time to make sure your equinr friends have the best nutrition available! Independent nutrition consultations are designed with sustainability and quality in mind, whether you are looking for peak performance or help with managing medical conditions, small changes can make all the difference!

Prices for a single consultation and write up from £45 🦄

Please message me for March and April dates as the diary is getting full already 🌞

04/01/2020

🦄 Happy New Year to all of my lovely clients, I hope you and your horses were thoroughly spoilt over the festive period! 🦄

Now is the time to get prepared for spring. The changes in grass and increased exercise can mean that any changes in your horses diet are particularly important.

I have limited appointments left for this month into the beginning of February, both weekends and week days. I am continuing the introductory offer during this time which includes a full consultation with write up for only £45 (30% off!!)

🌞 Message via Facebook or Text/Call to book (07803747203) 🌞

04/12/2019

🌈🐴 I still have some days left before the end of the year!

Don't miss out on my introductory offer of a full consultation and write up for £45! A whole 30% off. This includes a nutritional assessment discussing weight, current feeding program and forage/turnout routine alongside type, workload and any health issues, I will then go away and make recommendations based on what we have discussed for the future.

Message or call me to book, discounts also offered for 2 or more horses and young stock! 🐴🌈