Feed and supplement recommendations

[Padge69]

Can anyone recommended a low calorie maintenance feed for a 14.1hh cob who is in light work. I am wanting to add a calming supplement due to him having some anxieties around being seperated from other horses. He can be quite pushy in the stable as well if he sees another horse leave the yard. He is a new pony on a new yard, and is in the field at night and in through the day. Fed on haylage and hay mix at the minute. Any recommendations for feed and calming supplements, thanks.

 

[PapaverFollis]

I would feed him a good big bucket of time, consistency, routine and patience myself.

 

[planete]

It is unlikely any supplement will change his mind about being separated from the other horses. As he gets used to the routine while being handled calmly and having adequate work and play time he should settle down and start feeling more secure. You may need help from a good instructor to show you how to teach him good manners too if you have not been in this situation before.

 

[Padge69]

It is unlikely any supplement will change his mind about being separated from the other horses. As he gets used to the routine while being handled calmly and having adequate work and play time he should settle down and start feeling more secure. You may need help from a good instructor to show you how to teach him good manners too if you have not been in this situation before.

Thanks for your reply. I have worked with lots of horses in the past but believe the move to a new yard and new owner is a lot for him to deal with. I guess as PapaverFolis says, time, routine, patience and consistency is key. Its very early days and maybe Im just expecting too much too soon.

 

[planete]

Thanks for your reply. I have worked with lots of horses in the past but believe the move to a new yard and new owner is a lot for him to deal with. I guess as PapaverFolis says, time, routine, patience and consistency is key. Its very early days and maybe Im just expecting too much too soon.

i think we have all been there with a new horse, even experience owners. Some take longer than others I guess. I am sure you will look back in a few months and wondered why you were worrying. Good luck.

 

[Griffin]

As other posters have said, a supplement is unlikely to relieve his anxiety about being separated (although a radio on, a stable toy or a stable mirror might help).

In terms of feed, I think the best thing to do is find a feed that works for your horse and you. If your horse looks good and seems happy on what they are eating, than continue. If you want to ensure that he is getting all the vitamins and minerals that he needs, you can either get your forage analysed and 'balance' it with the appropriate missing minerals or buy a general balancer or supplement. There are lots out there but a pelleted one is generally easier to persuade them to eat e.g. Equimins Advance Complete.