Pre-Fuel & Refuel – Your FAQs answered

We’ve had lots of great feedback on our Pre-Fuel and Refuel syringes, as well as some questions on how and when to use them. Here are some of the frequently asked questions that might help you decide if Pre-Fuel and/or Refuel is the right product for your horse.

• What is the benefit of using Pre-Fuel + Refuel together?

Pre-Fuel Gel is formulated to support energy and muscle function prior to hard exercise or competition. Refuel Gel is designed to be given afterwards to encourage recovery by rehydrating and aiding muscle repair. Using these products in combination will support optimum performance and ensure your horse recovers quickly, ready for the next event.

• Can I give both to a pony?

Yes, both of these products are suitable for ponies but the dose rate should be adjusted. For horses less than 450kg (generally smaller than 14.2hh) give half a syringe of Pre-Fuel prior to competition and half a syringe of Refuel after exercise.

• There is vitamin E in these products and also in my feed, what is role of vitamin E? Can you give too much?

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and plays a role supporting cellular health. Every task carried out in the body uses energy. Free radicals are a by-product of energy production and will damage cells when left to their own devices. Exercising horses requires large amounts of energy production which results in large amounts of free radical production. Vitamin E, along with other antioxidants, ‘mop up’ these free radicals, thus helping your horse to recover from strenuous workouts. Horses with higher workloads require more Vitamin E than horses at rest. Therefore, whilst your feed should provide optimal levels of Vitamin E on a day-to-day basis, supplementing Vitamin E before and after exercise can be enormously beneficial for performance and recovery.

• Are they safe for competition?

Yes, both products carry Foran Equine’s S.A.F.E. mark of approval, which indicates they are safe for competition use and do not require a withdrawal period.

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

Both of these products are available in a liquid form, suitable for top-dressing feeds. You can find more information here – Refuel Liquid; Prefuel Liquid.

PRE-FUEL

• I want peace of mind that I am supporting performance without the worry of extra fizz, is Pre-Fuel Gel suitable?

Pre-Fuel Gel supports performance by aiding muscle function. It provides energy in the form of glucose and branch chain amino acids. This is ideal for horse’s needing extra energy. If your horse is highly strung, we advise trying Pre-Fuel Gel at home first rather than on the day of competition.

• What is hydrolysed protein?

Protein molecules contain lots of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Hydrolysis is a process which uses water to break down these protein molecules into smaller, easier to digest chains which are more bioavailable to your horse. Rapidly absorbed hydrolysed protein helps to aid muscle development, support the recovery of strained muscles post-exercise, and reduce the risk of muscle stiffness or soreness.

• What are BCAA’s

BCAA’s stand for branch chain amino acids. Valine, leucine and isoleucine are essential BCAA’s required by all horses. Essential amino acids cannot be manufactured by the horse itself yet are required in large amounts in the diet to ensure the optimum recovery and repair of muscles after hard exertion.

• What key vitamins and minerals are in Pre-Fuel?

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

• I am using a feed with 14% protein, is it ok to give Pre-Fuel in addition to this?

Yes, supplementing with Pre-Fuel alongside your horse’s normal diet is safe and will only account for a small proportion of your horse’s daily protein needs. If you are feeding a large volume of high protein feed and you think your horse is receiving too much protein get in touch with one of our nutritionists for further advice on managing protein intake.

• My horse stresses before competitions/is a bad traveller, will Pre-Fuel help replenish lost energy?

Yes, Pre-Fuel will give your horse a rapid energy boost when used prior to competition. If your horse is a bad traveller we advise to give Pre-Fuel when you have reached your destination.

• When do I administer?

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

• How long do the affects last?

Pre-Fuel is digested quite quickly so the effect usually last 2-4 hours. This will vary from horse to horse as each will metabolise it at different rates.

REFUEL

• Why Refuel over a standard electrolyte?

Refuel Gel contains a high concentrate of electrolytes which are typically deficient in a horse’s diet, as well as powerful antioxidants and a range of B-vitamins. Refuel promotes recovery by rehydrating, repairing muscle damage, and supporting appetite.

• I give Equi-Lyte G during the week – can I also give Refuel Gel after a competition?

Yes, Refuel Gel can be given after competition to support recovery and rehydration.

• When do I administer Refuel?

Refuel should be given to your horse after competition once the horse has fully cooled down and has been offered water. Clean, fresh drinking water should remain available to the horse after administration.

• My horse sweated a lot, can I give one the next morning too?

Yes, no problem. Additional electrolytes, vitamins and antioxidants will continue to promote recovery and any surplus to requirements will be excreted.

• I generally travel home an hour after competition when they’ve recovered, can I wait till I get home to administer so my horse has access to water?

Yes, waiting until you’ve travelled home before giving your horse Refuel Gel is best if you do not have access to water.

• My horse doesn’t eat after competition, will Refuel help?

Many horses back of their feed after competition or increased workloads. This is often caused by a combination of factors including dehydration, muscle soreness, and stress. Refuel contains B-vitamins which encourage appetite along with antioxidants and electrolytes which support muscle repair and rehydration.

If you have any further questions on Pre-Fuel or Refuel, or are looking for dietary advice, ask our expert team.