confused on whether to give supplement

J

JessPickle

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Right pickle sometimes at coat change times requires a supplement (equisup/red cell or something simular) now dad is convinced he needs it now as says he was lazy/lethargic today, now I think it would be mad as currently he is a complete loony hacking and these supplements do give him a boost! am I being silly and should I just give it too him or do you agree that I shouldnt?

I am unsure and just wanted some advise from people who dont know me personally!

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Supplements should make up for some deficiency...what do you think he is lacking? Iron?
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well from past experience iron, just because of our past problems with him and blood tests etc, maybe I should just get vets to give him a blood test on routine just as a check up.
 
I wouldn't give a supplement on the results of just one or two days behaviour. If it continues, then I would get a bood test done.
 
I agree with that darn Donkeymad woman....I'd get a blood test done and only feed red cell etc if the beast is iron deficient (or whatever). There are dangers from feeding too many supplements....
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Its not going to do any harm, and if your dad is paying for it then just feed it. Your horse will pass any extra vitamins or minerals if he does notneed them. Won't harm.
 
My friends horse had previous liver damage from ragwort, used to get given the vitamin B supp. at coat change time as he starts to get anemic and a little 'off'.
But its not that time of year, perhaps your Dad just had a bit of a boring hack? I think that it would be more than one quiet ride to determine whether the supp. was needed!
 
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Its not going to do any harm, and if your dad is paying for it then just feed it. Your horse will pass any extra vitamins or minerals if he does notneed them. Won't harm.

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Some vitamins and minerals are toxic in excess. Some are rather nastily toxic. Not all are simply "passed through".
 
Yes, I agree, over feeding some things can be nasty if not fatal. However feeding Red Cell at the recomended rate to a horse that does not *need* it won't do any harm even if, say, it is getting everything it needs from good grazing and good health!

Red Cell is promoted and used as a general vitamin and mineral suplement, not simply for horses with a medical need for it.
 
If your horse is on a balanced diet then he probably doesn't need a supplement, particularly if he's a loony out hacking. If he becomes subdued or listless, loses weight, loses condition etc. etc. for a noticeable period of time, then get a blood test and see if the vet recommends something specific.
 
I could be wrong here but to me he sounds like he is getting cheesed off with school work if he is a loon out hacking ! I personally would give him a week off and see if that sorts him out, if poss turn him out as much as possible, then re-assess when he is back to work
 
If you really want to give something, what about dried nettles? Good all-round benefits but especially for aneamia. I don't think there is any risk from giving those - unless someone wants to correct me?
 
well have asked a guy who rides at the RS who adores pickle is he fancies hacking him for me, just in case he is just bored. As unfortuenly since having stitches in my arm I just cant risk it as he is so strong!

Think will leave it for a couple of weeks and assess him properly when I can hack him myself!
 
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