WANT to know the latest information about feeding your horse but worried that it will leave you even more confused?

Don't despair, thanks to equine nutrition specialists TopSpec Equine and Masham Micronized Feeds help is on hand this autumn.

A nationwide series of evening lectures have been planned which will include talks by equine nutrition lecturer Dr Derek Cuddeford from the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies at Edinburgh University, Simon Parker from Masham Micronized Feeds and Nicola Tyler from TopSpec Equine.

Derek will talk about 'Keeping the Balance Right'. He will explain how understanding the horse's digestive system makes it easier to feed correctly. Simon will look at recent developments in processing straights like Speedi-Beet, while Nicola will lift the lid on the feed bin providing advice on how to feed horses in a way that suits their digestive system. She will outline how straights such as alfalfa, sugar beet and cereals can be combined with either feed balancers or supplements to feed different types of horses and ponies very successfully.

Nicola said: "Currently there is a lot of interest from horse owners wanting to go back to basics and feed straights.

"With the huge increase in the use of haylage instead of hay, and the application of modern technology to manufacturing straights, feeding can now be much simpler.

"Feeding is turning full circle with many owners delighted to return to traditional methods and to give their horses less hard feed with many resultant benefits."

Simon added: "The evening will aim to demystify feeding, showing owners how simple it really is to have a healthy, fit horse thanks to a clear feeding routine."

After the talks a forum including an equine vet, nutritionists and competition riders from several disciplines will answer questions on any equine topic.

The lectures take place on.

September 23 - The MacDonald Inchyra Hotel, Grange Road, Polmont, Falkirk, Stirlingshire

September 24 - The Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, The Wirral

September 25 - Pavilions of Harrogate, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire

September 30 - The Holiday Inn, Dean Gate Avenue, Taunton, Somerset

October 1 - The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire

October 2 - Stoneleigh Park Exhibition and Conference Centre, NAC, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, Warwickshire

The doors open at 7pm when there will be a chance to talk to local equestrian celebrities and equine vets, before the lectures start at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £7.50 including coffee and biscuits, and everyone attending will receive £3.50 worth of money-off vouchers plus free samples.

The evening will also provide one lucky person with three bags of TopSpec Feed Balancer and three bags of Speedi-Beet as the winner of the Golden Ticket Prize Draw.

Tickets are available from participating vets and feed merchants or by contacting Sophie Connor at TSM on 01724 784600.

.