Oliwia

Oliwia and her owner Marianna (@1mariannka._.1) are among the winners of the Food Book competition on Instagram, in which they won a free nutrition consultation. Oliwia is a seven-year-old pony competing in grassroots eventing – full of temperament, energy and character, as befits a real “turbo pony”.

Ponies have a very efficient metabolism, so they need a low-energy diet that is still rich in nutrients. Feeding that is too high in calories can lead to overweight and metabolic problems, which is why Oliwia is fed only once a day, at dinner. The base of her diet is Turbo Pony Muesli, an aromatic mix made especially for ponies that do best on low-energy feeds. The absence of oats and molasses prevents hyperactivity, and the high fibre from alfalfa and sunflower hulls supplies the slow-release energy needed for daily work. The Grassland Everyday Care vitamin pellet in the feed supplies the right amount of high-quality vitamins and minerals, and the vitamin B12 and magnesium support concentration and resistance to stress.

Oliwia's evening meal is completed with lemon balm herb, which has a calming effect and supports concentration. Fed regularly, lemon balm reduces hyperactivity and improves focus, so Oliwia stays balanced and responds better in training.

Depending on the weather and the work, her diet is also topped up with a mash. On cold days after harder work she gets Flower Mash, a warm extra meal with flowers and herbs that support recovery and digestion. On hot days and at competitions she gets Isotonic Mash, which replaces electrolytes, supports hydration and helps her recover balance sooner after work.

Oliwia has hay available all the time and spends about 12 hours a day on large grassy fields, where she can move freely and follow her natural needs. Those conditions support healthy digestion and metabolism and help her hold the right body weight.

A properly balanced diet together with movement is quite enough for an active pony in grassroots sport, and gives her health, condition and a steady mind. And if an owner is tempted to reward a little one with a treat, it is worth choosing natural alternatives such as carrots, apples or beet instead of horse sweets.