Amberlee Ficociello
Classroom #1 (RCMP Barn)
3:15am - Back to the Basics - Diet Analysis & Mineral Balancing
Amberlee Ficociello will discuss touch on current nutrition trends, some horse feeding myths and common mistakes horse owners make when choosing supplements for their horses. In focussing on Back to the Basics, Amberlee's goal is feeding the "whole horse" from the inside out by developing feed & supplement programs based on actual feed & diet analysis. There will be information presented on hay & pasture analysis, feed profiles & common dietary deficiencies and excesses. A few common marketing techniques will be reviewed and the audience will have a general understanding of the steps involved in developing a healthier & simpler feed program for their beloved animals.
As owner of Five Pines Ranch with her husband Dean, Amberlee Ficociello concentrates on raising a few select Champion quality Quarter Horses, as well as providing a boarding facility with highly individualized care in the Okanagan Valley , one of the most beautiful areas of British Columbia . Using her knowledge of equine nutrition she helps others provide balanced rations for their horses – assisting with rehabilitation, pregnancy, foaling and early growth, and optimized nutrition for performance.
Amberlee first began to seriously study equine nutrition in 2005 when her mare, Storm, developed Insulin Resistance (IR) and laminitis during pregnancy. Under the mentorship of Eleanor Kellon, VMD, Amberlee was able to provide a safe, mineral balanced diet for her mare and Storm delivered a healthy foal. Amberlee has since developed a passion for understanding equine nutrition, beginning work toward the Certificate Program in Equine Science at the University of Guelph in Ontario while continuing to study advanced nutritional subjects with Dr. Kellon. Her long term goals are to study and complete advanced degrees in Equine Science and Nutrition.
Along with her responsibilities as ranch owner and busy mom & 4-H Leaqder, her strong interest in education makes Amberlee a natural in teaching people how to understand and interpret hay analysis and mineral balancing, a service she is now providing to other horse owners.