feed for topline/condition

[pixiebee]

I have been to a show today and did very well. We got 2nd and 3rd. But the judge said my pony needed more topline/condition?? not sure what he meant by condition as such as my pony has a lovely shiny coat etc etc. Also I feed him baileys lo cal but he is still lacking sparkle and I would like a bit more oomph for the showring!!! is there such a feed that would help muscle gain/topline and condition (i would combine with exercise) I do not want him putting on more weight as his weight is ok, just more rounded over his bim and along his back. whilst giving him something to wake him up a bit. someone said baileys top line, but isnt that for weight gain??? any ideas please!!
ps he is currently fed sugar beet,chaff and baileys lo cal, as there is no grass in his field!!

 

[Dressagebabe]

Most topline feeds are weight gaining as they are very high in oils and protein, you need a certain amount of weight gain to be able to turn the fat into muscle with hard & correct schooling. Some Judges class the word 'condition' as extra fat!!! they like to see them on the overweight side for showing. Baileys No4 is quite good, its always worked for my horses but I have seen a few people on here say it doesn't work, you need to try something and stick with it for at least 2months before you see an improvement. Blue chip is very good but is expensive and will put weight on, however, if you work your pony hard and correctly you will build the topline muscles and keep the weight off so long as you are riding/schooling for around 5hrs a week. To produce muscle under the saddle area is the hardest task but you need to make sure your pony is working well from behind and on the bit with a good 'Bascule' shape over his back.

 

[ajn1610]

I highly recommend Feedmark enhance works really well

 

[pixiebee]

i have had a look at the blue chip website, is it blue chip pro that i need?? also would adding a very small amount of oats help with giving him a little extra oomph(dont want too much though-!!!) He will be lunged and ridden 4-5 days a week, maybe more if neccassary

 

[Dressagebabe]

I wouldn't add any oats as I have often found that the straight forward blue chip razzes the horses up a little anyway, you may have too much energy.

 

[silverghost]

I recommend top line and I have a cob that gains weight easily, but you don't need to feed much of it.

Also beware of lo-cal and similar feeds, I fell foul to that before due to having a good doer. You have to put in what you take out and that would explain the lack of spark.

I use simple system feeds but add in the topline cubes.
Simple System Ltd have a website, I use Luciebix which is lucerne grass. When I go to a show or stable away I can feed as much of it as the horse can eat and it gives so much more 'omph' without the weight and then just drop back in between.