Feeding a 16.2hh warmblood type

[Charliechalk]

Hi, ive recently bought a 9 yr old 16.2hh warmblood. He's very weak behind and im planning on lunging him a couple of times a week in a pessoa, hacking and 1 - 2 schooling sessions a week, he is out on good grazing at the moment and is brought in for a few hours each day. The problem is im a little confused as to amounts of hard feed i should be giving him. My instructor says he needs a hard feed, and other people on the yard are shocked that im feeding him so much! He gets a scoop of calm and condition with half of scoop of chaff each day. Can anyone give me any advice.

 

[Gal]

It is really hard to say without seeing him and watching him.

The grass is very rich where I am and my fat & greedy warmblood (16.2 built like a barn) is turned out for 6 hours only, three small sections of hay and two small gesture feeds. He works light/medium and is muscled and reasonably fit, but with spring grass fatness!!

Me I would build up any feed gradually and stick to a anti laminitic type feed until he is in work and a small amount of mix (if you feel that is right). As he is lacking in muscle and weight? You will find the right balance.

I am assuming you have wormed for tape worm as well as the other types?

I truly believe in Doctor green...but you may need a weight tape and a note book.....and adjust feed accordingly against progress of work/muscle/weight...but it can take ages.

The feed companies often offer free feeding advice...good luck with your lovely horse.

 

[MerryMaker]

If he isn't used to hard feeds or large amounts, you wouldn't want to be giving him a huge amount suddenly as it could compromise his temperament. To build up his hindquarters, as well as work which you are doing he will also need a good source of protein, but without the high sugars and starches associated with some hard feeds.

I second the above, contact all the major feed companies and above all plenty of good turn out etc, and a good fittening regime.

Good luck with him!

 

[happihorse]

I would be inclined to start with a very small amount of low calorie chaff with a handful of Calm and Condition in and then over a period of week slowly build up to about half a scoop of concentrate and one scoop of chaff. I wouldn't given more concentrate than mix.

To help him make the most of the food you give him and ensure he is getting adequate vitamins and minerals I would also add a general supplement like Clop.

When you start working him on the Pessoa, I would have it very loose and again build up very slowly as he will probably find working like that quite hard.

Most important thing is not to rush it!