Last Autumn we bought a young colt from a reputable breeder. The day after we got him home we noticed he couldn't walk properly - on calling out the vet and farrier our worst fears were confirmed and the colt was diagnosed as having severely contracted tendons. Initially no-one thought he would cope with the pain of an operation so it was a case of living from day to day.

After six months of box rest and a starvation diet which consisted of 4lb of hay in 24 hours and no hard feed, he was eventually given a tentative all clear to go outside to graze and a slow introduction to a suitable hard feed.

Because he was starved during his critical development stage we were told he would probably never make his full height or be fit enough to show.

Due to the inherent problems of trying to avoid a sudden growth burst we searched the feed market avidly looking for anything which might provide our young colt with a consistent diet for natural growth.

We had heard of Saracen Horse Feeds last year but couldn't get hold of it - we now can, so tried him on a 50:50 blend of the Show Ring Mix and the Show Improver diet. Two months of this feed and our young colt has never looked better. He has just received his Stallion certificate (a major achievement) and has even reached his required height without any recurrence of the tendon problems.

We are thrilled with the results of feeding Saracen Horse Feeds - the ponies love it and it quickly provides condition without overheating. We will use Saracen for all our ponies as we know we can trust the products.

Mr & Mrs Hayes