Does my 2/Rising 3 year old need a stud specific balancer?

[Amelia.]

As above really.
3 years old in April 2025, a good doer, never been fed in previous home but I would like to ensure correct vitamins.
Warmblood X ID mix, around 15.1 at the moment

 

[[151802]]

A good quality balancer won’t do any harm, but if the horse does well on forage alone, you may find it more economical to simply give a handful of chaff or nuts with a vitamin and mineral supplement.

 

[Midlifecrisis]

A farrier once told me that horses evolved to develop on only forage and we must be careful not to “over boost” growth whilst young as it can adversely affect bones. So if youngster is looking good on forage maybe stick with that?

 

[Birker2020]

I'd take advice from a nutritionist.

A good balancer with amino acids will promote muscle growth and joint development whilst keeping starch and sugar levels low to prevent developmental issues like Wobblers and OCD.

 

[Asha]

I give stud balancer up to when they reach 3 or rising 3 depending on how they look. If they look well, good coat etc etc then they just get grass / haylage and 24/7 turnout where possible.