building a topline with feed?

ShowJumperBeckii

ShowJumperBeckii

Well-Known Member
Joined
14 May 2010
Messages
2,572
Location
Oxon/Bucks
Visit site
to help, out
everyone keeps suggeting giving ebs a small bit of topline cubes or build and glow.... but is it worth it?, as well as lunging in side reins nd draw reins ect? :)
thanks

oh and RIP Walkingman :( thoughts with the family
 
Surely the only way to build topline is with correct work? Feed will only put on fat. Isn't the answer to feed according to work needs, so if you are working to build the muscle the nutrients are available?
 
pip6 said:
Surely the only way to build topline is with correct work? Feed will only put on fat. Isn't the answer to feed according to work needs, so if you are working to build the muscle the nutrients are available?
Click to expand...
I also thought you couldn't feed top line but our tb didn't have any top line until he was fed balancer. Then it just appeared.
 
also shes getting quite a bit at the moment, surely feed wont build muscles... we can only wish ;) :p
and no im not going to feed her just incase it might work.. ill take months doing it the slow way rather than feeding her pointless feed? if you get me?

plus shes getting the max she can really ahve in one bowl
breakfast
1 scoop alfa a oils 1 scoop mix and 1/2 scoop fast fiber
diner

1 1/4 alfa a oils and 1 /4 mix and 3/4 fast fiber
 
Last edited:
Lunging in side reins isnt going to build topline, it will just build the neck muscles. How do you mean by lunging in draw reins? I am assuming you mean attached to the bit and then through the front legs and over the back? If so that is the best way, i wouldnt be using side reins at all. Work is the only way to build topline and that needs to be correct long and low work so the horse is active behind and not low so its on the forehand as that wont make any difference. The best way is to get a decent instructor and they will explain all this to you and be able to give you advice from watching you from the floor.
 
Oh right :o, yeah i was suggested by someone on the forum with lunging with the drew reins and then get a pesseo too cause everyone rates them well, and i will but with this weather its like impossible :o :p
so the cubes are really pointless?
thanks x
 
The feeds that say they improve topline ect.. its not really about feeding a scoop of topline cubes and hey presto neddie has a better one, its more to do with the mins/vits in the feed that support the growth of mucels.

What a lot of people IME fail with is the amount they feed and for how long.

so in answer.. it can support your neds topline but will not grow it, this needs to be done with good old fashioned work, working long and low, lots of pole work.

I would be staying away from anything such as side/draw reins that can encourage a false out line and way of going.

long reining, hill work, poles raised so horse is lifiting front and back legs higher than normal, and when ridden ensureing horse is using back end.
 
yes. but research what you are using and how much is to be feed, it often turns out to be very expensive.

and i wouldnt bother using it until you can get neddie back into regualr working.. (am presuming snow is stopping you./)
 
I wouldnt bother with the topline feeds, topline will come from the work you do. I also wouldnt bother with a pessoa, they can give a false outline and too much movement on the mouth which gives an unstable head. Stick to using draw reins through the front legs, but your horse must be active and forward into it with the neck long and the nose out - not with the head curled in.
 
I think that the feeds you're talking about would give Eb all the nutrients/proteins she needs to build the muscles, but they won't come unless you do the work to develop them! I'd also be careful to make sure she's really engaging behind and working over her back, if she just has her head in it doesn't necessarily mean she's building muscle if you see what I mean! Why don't you do a little research into what proteins/nutrients are needed for horses to build muscle, then look at what your feed contains? That way you can make an informed decision! I would stick with the Alfa Oil, but why don't you just work her properly (long and low etc) with the feeds she's on now for a couple of months? Then if you're not seeing an improvement change? Give it time though, especially in the winter it seems horses take a lot of work to keep them in good condition! :) xx
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top