Feeding a 16yr old

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michelleice

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so Benson's 16yrs old and i have him on hi fi lite (lamanetic one) and a pasture mix (dodson and horrell) was thinking for putting him on beet in winter but no 100% sure if i will

question is as he is 16 should be be on a veteran mix? i plan to ride him while i can to build him back up and then long rein/lunge/walk out when I'm to heavy pregnant to get on (bump gets in way)
 
how is he looking? condition score and weight wise.

mines 18 next year and i cant say its ever crossed my mind to change her feed due to age. she looks fab, not aged really at all so cant see the point. she gets a joint supplement but always has done since 12.

unless your going to feed a veteran mix at the recommened levels then the added vitamins and whatever wont do much good anyway IMO.
 
Agree with Vicki that you don't need to change your feed just because he is a certain age!

As we go into the winter and the grazing diminishes it is important to make sure you feed plenty of good quality hay or haylage which is a much better way of maintaining condition then giving lots of bucket feed. If he is stabled at night, then ensure he has enough hay to last him all night.

How much extra feed you give him depends on how well he maintains his weight - if his current feed suits him and he maintains his condition on that then I wouldn't change it! If you find he needs extra condition then sugar beet is a good, cost-effective addition and/or you could consider changing to a higher calorie chaff such as Alfa A Oil.
 
Hey you sound like me tbh!

My horse is 18 and have been considering putting him on a veteran mix for that reason! I currently have him on pasture mix and alfalfa-a chaff.

Have done a little reading around and decided that I'm not going to change anything much. He's gets a joint supplement anyway so isn't stiff and his condition is still a little too good!

I am considering buying some speedi-beet for him for when the weather gets very bad. He's living out this winter 24/7 and I've read that sugar beet is great for getting their hindgut working and generating heat!
 
I agree with the above. My Welsh Cob is around 16 years old an doesn't look any older than when I bought her as a 7 year old (well, she had a bit of a middle age spread and filled out a bit). She's ridden 3 or 4 times a week (mainly hacking) and I never feed her over the summer (lives out). I was debating whether to feed her over the winter.

What I'm thinking, is that you ought to try a feed check website such as Saracen, they may be able to offer some advice. I'm going to do it for Saf once I find my weightape.
 
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