Featured Rider: Shannon Peters
February 5, 2011
Tell us about your grand prix horse Odyssey. What's his story?
Shannon: Ody is a 15 year old Dutch gelding by Ferro. I have had him since he was 12. He is quite a quirky horse, and can have some aggressive tendencies, especially in his stall, towards people. Under all of this is the sweetest horse in the world!!!! He is one of the best horses under saddle I have ever ridden. Just the right amount of fire, with good ability in all the advanced movements, with natural suppleness. He thinks quite highly of himself, and demands your attention!
What made you change his feed to whole food?
Shannon: We struggled with Ulcers off and on with Odyssey, and I came across the BioStar website while searching for alternatives for treatment. The whole concept seemed logical to me, and although we use appropriate pharmaceutical treatment when necessary, maintaining them on whole food seems to lessen the amount of intervention with chemical treatments.
What differences have you noticed after changing his feed?
Shannon: Right from the start, Odyssey was less aggressive and less reactive in his stall. Under saddle, he still maintained the same fire, but became less reactive to his surroundings. A blessing for this horse!
What are some of the things you and your groom do to keep Odyssey a happy grand prix horse?
Shannon: Odyssey goes on the treadmill twice a day, to help maintain his fitness, and help him to utilize any extra energy he may have in a positive way. He is not a horse that hand walks well! He is groomed several times a day, and he greatly enjoys the attention.
How does a whole food diet fit into your training philosophy?
Shannon: I have always tried to give my horses the very best in supplements, hay and personal care. It always pays off in the end. Everything about what BioStar has to offer is logical, and backed up by science. In the 20+ years I have been training, my horses have never looked better! In addition, hotter horses mellow out in a positive way, and a horse that needs more energy can get that too!
What differences have you noticed in him on BioStar formulas?
Shannon: He is a calmer, more willing partner!! He has always had the ability, but seemed to be a bit distracted with some explosive behavior. That is all but gone!
What sort of foods do you eat to maintain your health and energy?
Shannon: I try to eat very much like my horses do!! Organic, whole foods!
What recommendations do you have for owners and riders considering switching their horses to whole food and BioStar?
Shannon: I have never tried a feed program with so much success as I have found with BioStar. My horses are the healthiest they have ever been! Adjustments are simple, when necessary, as Tigger is always available to answer questions. My horses have all taken to program with ease and love the cookies!
About Shannon Peters
Shannon has been an active FEI trainer and competitor for 25 years.
Some highlights of her competitive career are:
- 2005 Reserve National Champion Intermediare 1 riding Luxor
- 2006 USDF Horse of the Year Intermediare 1 riding Luxor
- 2008 Reserve National Champion FEI 6 year Old riding Weltino's Magic
- 2009 4th place US National Intermediare Championships riding Flor de Selva
