The Over 40 Rider

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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

Comment by Helen L. on August 29, 2010 at 8:27am

Grain or NO Grain?

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.

Would love to hear comments on this ... thanks!

Comment by Barbara F. on August 5, 2010 at 8:37pm

Thanks Sharon.
Donnie is doing quite well in his new home. He has a friend named Rascal - a very cute Morgan whom Donnie has quickly learned to boss around. ;)

I am in the middle of what seems like a never-ending search for a new horse. I am looking a two on Monday and will keep my fingers crossed.

I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful summer!

Comment by Sharon Berard on August 1, 2010 at 9:55am

Hello all, I have been checking in occasionally, but so busy riding...

Barbara, sorry to hear about Donnie - went through similar will Belle & her arthritis. She has adjusted to being a trail pony very well and is so cuddly and relaxed now - retirement suits her. I am riding a borrowed horse and like her very much, but she's no Belle. It will be another year before I can purchase a second horse. It takes some time to get over the disappointment for both yourself and your horse (Belle loves jumping and will still try and pull me over the fences if they are left up in the arena)

We have been riding trail all season and doing some more extended rides. I will be taking her to a golf course in two weeks. I have always joked that the only good use for a golf course would be to run the horses on. Through a riding buddy, we have the chance to ride a course that shut down. Should be a blast. I will keep you posted.

Comment by Mary-Joe Figueira on July 31, 2010 at 7:01pm

Hop Hill stables is featured in a follow up article in this month's WHOA magazine for anyone who is interested.

Comment by Debra McDaid on July 31, 2010 at 3:23pm

Hi I just joined. I am almost 40, it's getting closer each day lol. I had horses from a young age, left for almost 11 years, then talked my husband into having a horse (I had many) I was a show ridder first and formost, then since he raced and we needed to eat, slowly I turned to just the race horses. I love all horses, but after so many years with the stbs. I fell in love with them and their ability to do so many things and do them so well... so that's what I did, we bought a yearling, and we've been training him to race, if he makes it fine, if not we will show him. If he does make it will will still show him... His name is Tiocfaidh Ar La (Gaelic translation: Our Day Will Come). We call him Che. Our goal is to event, so far he looks like he will live up to my hopes, I have my finger's crossed!

deb

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