SAVE 10% - Countrywide Farmers

Experts in their FieldEach issue, Country Talk will be quizzing Countrywideexperts about their favourite products and their benefitsto customers. In this issue, we meet Sara Blackshaw,Countrywide’s Equestrian Buyer.With her wealth of experience in the equestrian sector ashorse rider, owner and as a British Horse Society AssistantInstructor, Sara certainly knows her stuff on all thingsequine. And when it comes to products, Sara thinks like acustomer too.As the owner of 5 year old Minnie a Trakener Warm BloodCross and 3 year old Leah a ¾ thorough bred, Saracompetes at affiliated level in Dressage and Eventing & isa member of Bromyard Riding Club.So, with her buying expertise sourcing products worldwide,Sara has highlighted two of her favourite equestrianproducts, now available in all Country Stores.Sara recommends Allen & Page Ride & Relax, which is alight, muesli mix for horses at rest or in light to mediumwork. It’s suitable for horses with intolerance to barley,molasses or alfalfa. “Ride and Relax is ideal for horseswhich tend to get excited even on low energy mixes,” Sarasays. “It’s low starch and high fibre, and is fortified withOmega 3 and 6 oils for improving all-round health,promoting fantastic skin and coat condition. I’m a big fanbecause it really is an excellent source of slow-releaseenergy for all types of horses and ponies.”Ride & Relax nutritional analysis:Oil: 4.0%, Protein: 9.5%, Fibre: 22.0%, Estimated DE: 9.5MJ/kg, Starch: 15.0%, Calcium: 1.1%, Vitamin A: 10,000IU/kg, Vitamin D: 1,500 IU/kg, Vitamin E: 80 IU/kg.Sara’s other favourite product for her horses and somethingshe recommends to customers is Countrywide Alfalfa Chaff.“This is a complementary forage feeding stuff for horses andponies, containing Alfalfa with a light dressing of low sugarmolasses and corn oil,” Sara explains. Alfalfa Chaff issuitable for feeding to all horses and ponies, according toworkload and size, to a maximum level of 3kg a day, and isavailable in 15kg bags at a cost of £6.99.Countrywide Alfalfa Chaff nutritional analysis:Oil: 5.0%, Protein 14.5%, Fibre 30.0%, Ash 9.0%A full range of equestrian products are available in storeand online.Green FingersHorticultural Specialist David Gray helps those green fingers with hisgarden tips for May, June and July.MayJuneJuly• Mow the lawn regularly with theblades set at a height of 2.5cm.• Apply a nitrogen rich lawn feed.• Tie plants into supports.• Water newly planted trees, shrubs andhedging regularly.• Take cuttings from Fuchsias andHydrangeas using the soft tips.• Plant baskets and hang them in thegreenhouse to develop.• Sprinkle feed around Roses.• Cut away spring bulb foliage once itdies back.• Plant Clematis in a bright sunnyposition.• Re-pot houseplants.• Damp down the greenhouse floorevery morning in order to increasehumidity.• Cover strawberries and ripening berrieswith netting.• Take Clematis cuttings or peg stems tothe soil to layer them.• Propagate shrubs.• Take cuttings from Fuchsias.• Pinch outside shoots on tomatoes.• Raise French beans in pots to plant outfor a late crop.• Plant out leeks.Did you know?By signing up to our online newsletter, you will get advance information on offers and special promotions?Simply go to www.countrywidefarmers.co.uk.Shop online at www.countrywidefarmers.co.ukPage 3