Helen maybe look at a mill mix specific for the needs of your horse, there are some good ones and at a decent price...or even manufacturer products. I hear Buckeye is very good. I have just gone through this same thing switching my horse over from just barley at the farm we were at. He is on a premium mill mix now and is not as hot headed. Still remember in the winter they need the energy.
Hi everyone have not been on for a bit. I just recently broke my sacrum at show last saturday hauling myself and reece over a big oxer.
blah.
Anyway off 4-6 weeks so entertain me! LOL
I decided now is the time to look at more ground training since I can't get in the saddle for a while. I am also looking to discuss with other morgan owners that have successfully got their mounts to drop their heads and frame nicely. This is something I'd like to work on with my fella more (which was what our plan was over the Fall before I 'fell). I'm sure there is even some work I can do on the lunge? Can anyone offer some suggestions, would love it very much. Send me a line!
Hope everyone is doing well!
Comment by maureen hall on August 29, 2010 at 3:00pm
all I can say is beet pulp, beet pulp, and beet pulp. Our warmblood and draft crosses live on it. Only the horses in really heavy work get or that need extra get grain - and I only feed whole rolled oats and steamed barley. All our horses, from yearlings to working horses get two cups of soaked beet pulp with 1/2 cup rice bran twice a day. They are supplemented with an all in one, joint supplement and cocosoya oil. Check out our pics at www.prospectequinefarms.com/gallery.htm
Comment by Jan Jollymour on August 29, 2010 at 9:42am
Hi, Helen L::
I agree with Helen W.'s comments about the feeds. Here in Western Canada we have access to several low carbohydrate/high protein/high fat feeds which work very well for keeping condition on horses without making them hot. I use them to the exclusion of anything else on our high performance dressage horses.
I don't know if Viterra feeds are available in Quebec, but if they are, you could try their "Step 8, Hi-Fat 20" formulation, along with lots of hay. I doubt that Otter Co-op's Equi-Cal is available there, I think they only ship in Western Canada, but if I'm wrong that's also a good choice.
We feed no grain AT ALL, and our horses have lots of energy, are a joy to work and compete, and have steady and accepting attitudes. Part of that is breeding, but part of it is also daily large-paddock turnout and feeding.
Comment by helen whittle on August 29, 2010 at 8:44am
Ps.You can't reduce the energy portion or he'll lose condition, just gotta change the type of energy from grains/carbs to fats/oils which are slower release. It has worked for my kids' ponies too. It's like an equine GI diet: lower the glycaemic index & give slower release energy. Good quality forage is essential: either grass, alfalfa, hay/haylage .You must ensure he gets at least 2% of his bodyweight in feed per day inc. forage, then approx 10-20%(depending on temperamnet,work & condition) of that 2% should be actual short feed bucket ration spread over 2-3 feeds per day.Best of luck!
Comment by Lisa Griffin on August 29, 2010 at 8:40am
Hi ladies...Just reading through some of the posts and had to laugh at the comment about the gold course.
When I see a golf course, the idea that occurs to me is "what a great place to let your horse run...good footing and no holes". Oddly I get curious expressions from my none horse friends on this idea Lol
Hope you and your horse thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity!!
Comment by helen whittle on August 29, 2010 at 8:36am
I put my old TB onto a high oil /no grain diet to try & reduce silliness ^ it works. Feed as much good quality forage as possible ad lib And add oil alfalfa by Dengie & baileys outshine pellets (or a glug of veg oil plus antioxidants) I always use a prebiotic & vit/min supplement too. Blue chip is good. Worked for my off the track TB: kept weight on & wasn't spooky. Hope it helps x
Would like to hear from people who were successful in changing their horse's diet to reduce the level of anxiety and "spooky" energy in their horse.
I am considering changing my horse's diet from "high fat" feed to a low-energy feed. Something that will help keep his weight on and give him all the nutrients he needs, but will not make him "full of beans" and spooky.
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