Why use our Pre-fuel and Re-fuel Supplements for success

We’ve received a lot of positive feedback about our Pre-Fuel and Re-Fuel syringes, as well as some inquiries regarding their usage. Below, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions that can assist you in determining whether Pre-Fuel (our energy supplement for horses) and/or Re-Fuel (our equine recovery/electrolyte supplement) are suitable for your horse.

Foran Equine’s Pre-Fuel and Re-Fuel Gels are now available in triple packs at a new competitive price, allowing you to save compared to purchasing individual syringes. These syringes are indispensable on competition days, and the triple packs are especially convenient for bringing in your horsebox or trailer when going for training, events, or competitions, or even on a leisurely ride. However, individual syringes are still available if you want to try the gels before committing to a triple pack.

What’s the benefit of using Pre-Fuel + Re-Fuel together?

Pre-Fuel Gel is designed to support energy and muscle function before strenuous exercise or competition, such as a big race or during a tournament, while Re-Fuel Gel is intended for post-exercise recovery, rehydration, and muscle repair. Using both products in combination ensures optimal performance and swift recovery for your horse, getting them ready for their next event, particularly useful on the go.

Can I give both to a pony?

Yes, both products are suitable for ponies, but the dosage should be adjusted. For horses weighing less than 450kg (typically under 14.2hh), administer half a syringe of Pre-Fuel before competition and another half of Re-Fuel after exercise.

Why is there vitamin E in these products, and can you give too much?

Vitamin E for horses acts as an antioxidant and supports cellular health. It aids in combating free radicals, which are generated as a by product of energy production and can damage cells. Horses undergoing intense exercise (such as a tough race, an endurance race or a hard training session) produce substantial free radicals, making vitamin E crucial for their recovery. While your horse’s regular feed should provide adequate daily vitamin E, supplementing with vitamin E before and after exercise can significantly benefit performance and recovery.

Are they safe for competition such as show jumping or racing?

Yes, both products bear Foran Equine’s S.A.F.E. mark of approval, signifying their safety for use in competitions without the need for a withdrawal period.

My horses don’t like syringes – can you add to feed?

Both products are also available in liquid forms that can be top-dressed onto feeds, providing an alternative for horses that are reluctant to take syringes.

PRE-FUEL

Is Pre-Fuel Gel suitable if I want to support performance without excess energy?

Pre-Fuel Gel supports performance by aiding muscle function and providing energy in the form of glucose and branch-chain amino acids. If your horse is highly spirited, it’s advisable to try Pre-Fuel Gel at home before using it on the day of competition. It is a great energy supplement for your showjumper or Arabian racehorse.

What is hydrolyzed protein?

Hydrolyzed protein is produced by breaking down protein molecules into smaller, more easily digestible chains using water. This process enhances bioavailability and helps with muscle development, post-exercise muscle repair, and reducing the risk of muscle stiffness or soreness.

What are BCAAs?

BCAAs, or branch chain amino acids, include valine, leucine, and isoleucine. These essential BCAAs are required by all horses and play a significant role in muscle recovery and repair after intense exertion.

What key vitamins and minerals for horses are in Pre-Fuel?

Pre-Fuel contains B-vitamins for horses to support efficient energy utilization and vitamin E with chelated zinc to aid muscle function.

I am using a feed with 14% protein; can I give Pre-Fuel in addition to this?

Supplementing with Pre-Fuel alongside your horse’s regular diet is safe and constitutes only a small portion of their daily protein requirements. However, if you are feeding a high-protein horse feed as part of their diet in large volumes and are concerned about protein intake, it’s advisable to consult one of our nutritionists for further guidance.

My horse gets stressed before competitions or is a poor traveller; will Pre-Fuel help restore lost energy?

Yes, Pre-Fuel provides your horse with a quick energy boost when given before competition. If your horse is a nervous traveller, it is suggested to administer Pre-Fuel after reaching your destination.

When should I administer Pre-Fuel?

Pre-Fuel Gel should be given 1-2 hours prior to intense exercise. 

How long do the effects last?

Pre-Fuel is digested relatively quickly, with effects typically lasting 2-4 hours. However, this duration can vary between individual horses.

RE-FUEL

Why choose Re-Fuel over a standard equine electrolyte?

Re-Fuel Gel contains a concentrated blend of electrolytes, often lacking in a horse’s regular diet. Additionally, it includes powerful antioxidants and various B-vitamins for horses. Re-Fuel supports recovery by promoting rehydration, aiding muscle repair, and stimulating appetite.

What are the functions of B-vitamins in Re-Fuel?

B-vitamins help stimulate appetite and enhance feed utilization, making them particularly useful for horses under stress, engaged in high-intensity exercise, or on a low-forage diet which is often the case in the Middle East. Administering B-vitamins post-exercise can boost appetite and support recovery, which is valuable for horses that may eat slowly following competition or racing.

I use Equi-Lyte G during the week – can I also give Re-Fuel Gel after a competition?

Certainly, Re-Fuel Gel can be administered after competition to support recovery and rehydration.

When should I give Re-Fuel?

Re-Fuel should be administered to your horse after competition, once they have fully cooled down and have been offered water. Fresh drinking water should remain accessible to the horse after administration.

My horse sweated a lot; can I administer another dose the next morning?

Yes, that’s perfectly fine. Any excess electrolytes, vitamins, and antioxidants will continue to support recovery, and any surplus will be excreted.

I typically travel home about an hour after the competition when they’ve recovered. Can I wait until I get home to administer so my horse has access to water?

Yes, it’s advisable to wait until you’ve returned home to give your horse Re-Fuel Gel if water is unavailable during travel.

My horse doesn’t eat after competition; will Re-Fuel help?

Many horses lose their appetite after competition due to factors like dehydration, muscle soreness, and stress. Re-Fuel contains B-vitamins that encourage appetite, along with antioxidants and electrolytes to support muscle repair and rehydration. If your horse is slow to eat following competition, Re-Fuel can be a valuable addition to their regimen.

If you have additional questions about Pre-Fuel or Re-Fuel or need dietary advice, please don’t hesitate to ask our expert team.