Feeding a youngster (6 year old) for a bit more condition

[mischamoo]

I have just acquired a very green and babyish ID gelding who is in lovely condition and not underweight or overweight - he's got a typical small bottom/hollow neck which I'm hoping over the next few months will come right with the correct work.

He's currently fed (split between two feeds) - 4 x scoops of alpha A molasses free, 4 x cups of linseed, 2 x scoops of garlic, 1 x scoop magnesium and 1 x scoop of lysine

Is there anything I can add to his feed to help support him with the work he's about to undertake of decent lunging and schooling? Or does the above feeds seem like a good start? The lysine I've just recently added as it was recommended to me as a good protein to feed him to help support muscle development.

He's out 24/7 on fairly decent grazing and has hay in the field in the evening.

 

[lurcherlu]

I'd swap the Alfa a for Alfa a oil

 

[mischamoo]

I'd swap the Alfa a for Alfa a oil

Thanks lurcherlu - I did consider this but having read the info on both products I thought the molasses free one seemed no different to alpha a oil apart from the slightly higher oil content in the alpha a oil and seeing as he gets a good dose of micronised linseed each day I didn't see the point in feeding alpha a oil - would there be a benefit to feeding this over the molasses free one? I was keen to stick to non sugary/starch/cereal feeds.

 

[NOISYGIRL]

I was always told feed for what they've done not what they might do, I'd wait until the work load has increased and add some oil, either soya or equijewel is high oil rice based product, I use this as my horse won't eat liquid oil added to his feed

 

[lurcherlu]

If you needed more energy for the workload once it's increased , then it'd be an ideal switch , I always used to feed it to my girl when grass was poor or workload was increased . Good luck sounds like you're switched on and ready for a big baby

 

[mischamoo]

I was always told feed for what they've done not what they might do

Good point! I might consider the Equijewel as he wouldn't eat the liquid oil either when I tried it with him, hence why he's on the micronised linseed which he seems to have a taste for.

If you needed more energy for the workload once it's increased , then it'd be an ideal switch , I always used to feed it to my girl when grass was poor or workload was increased . Good luck sounds like you're switched on and ready for a big baby

His fitness is improving but isn't brilliant and after about 30 mins in the school he switches off and he struggles to continue with decent work through lack of energy, lack of balance and muscle - so we're sticking to short 20-30 mins schooling 3 times a week and the rest of the time is spent gently hacking out or lunging in the equiami. I don't want to overfeed him as he doesnt need the weight as such as he's a nice weight at the moment and has a lovely glossy coat. But he's just a bit upside down where he's not had correct work and well, he is BIG! Is it true the ID take a little longer to mature (mentally!) and physically? He's a soft gentle giant but it's like dealing with a 3 year old - into everything and anything!
I wanted to ensure he had enough energy for the work and his body was being supported with the right nutrition. I may swap to the Alpha A Oil to see how he gets on with that.