Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kinni P on December 20, 2009 at 2:21pm

I have to agree with slc2. This is a good opportunity to work through his issues. If he's Aced, he won't learn a thing.
I've never had any luck with herbals. I have had a small amount of success using Regu-mate on my gelding. Unfortunately, it's extremely expensive, hard to handle and you can't use it indefinitely. If the horse is truly unsafe to handle, give it a whirl. If he's just a bit wiggy, try something like clicker training. You'll both be happier in the end if you look at this as a training opportunity. Good luck and have fun!

Permalink Reply by Ellin McGinley Daum on December 20, 2009 at 2:42pm

Slc2 has outlined a very good course of action for your hot little horse. I believe particularly that we overfeed our horses. I own a boarding barn where we feed grass hay, pelleted (non-sweet) feed usually Purina Horseman's Edge and turn out every day the weather permits for the entire day. All of the horses regardless of breed seem to thrive on this combination. We do use some fat supplements if a horse seems to be losing weight and his teeth, etc seem to be fine. In general we tailor the feed program to the needs of each individual.

On the subject of Ace. I have had varied experiences with that drug. So much depends on the dose, rate of the horse's metabolism and general disposition. For surgery and in emergencies it is essential to take the edge off so that treatment can be given. Unfortunately I have seen it used for loading, trail riding, etc with some dangerous results. An old campaigner who was ridden in parades regularly was given Ace because he hadn't been worked sufficiently before a scheduled event. He reared and went over backward. No one was injured, but it could have been a disaster. Another young horse was given Ace so that he could be schooled at a show grounds while the show was in progress (he was not competing), but the dose must have been too high because when the water truck came by he just lay down and wouldn't get up.

My stallions, an Andalusian and an Egyptian Arabian, show infrequently so they are always lit up by a show situation. One week before and for the duration of the show they receive vitamin B crumbles per the package instructions and powdered Quietex also per instructions. Both have been even tempered, calm and interested in their surroundings and in working well without being nervous, distracted or difficult to handle. In a perfect world they wouldn't need anything, but for the safety of all they are much better off with the edge filed down some.

There is a problem with supplements not being regulated, tested and inconsistent in what they contain. I also worry about contaminants, but if one buys from a reputable company that also manufactures drugs they are usually safe. Package directions should be followed to the letter.

Hope this helps. I've been in your shoes and it is not a simple decision. Best of luck!

Permalink Reply by Laura Coffey on December 20, 2009 at 3:14pm

All of this is indeed great advise. Unfortunately I have tried everything except the clicker training. In answer to is he hot ,or is he disobedient, the answer yes. In the past several months he has become far more pliable( thanks in part to you folks) in his training and is showing a willingness that is just a joy. On the other hand, this is still the horse that panicked and ran through wood fences. I shudder to think what could happen if he should do something like that again. Laura

Permalink Reply by Jackie Cochran on December 20, 2009 at 5:48pm

NO GRAIN? WOW.
How much timothy hay do you feed for the weight of the horse?
I once read an old fashioned horseman who said that when all the new ideas worked their way out that horsemen would go back to timothy hay and good, clean oats.
I agree about most supplements.

Permalink Reply by Jackie Cochran on December 22, 2009 at 9:36am

No, I did not think you rode starving horses. With some of my horses I just fed hay in the summer, just a handful or two of oats to put salt in. Fat, sassy, and almost too much energy, but I never let my horses get fat. I also severely limited grazing.
It just goes to show that when people build horse barns that they should put in more hay storage, and possibly forget about the feed rooms which they fill up with all the fattening grains and supplements.