feeding advise

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jess31

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I've got a 16.2, warmblood in light work that I'm planning to winter out this year, he's got a good layer of fat right now but hasn't lived out before so want to keep that layer on and not let him drop off. I've always just fed pasture nuts and alpha oil in the past but want some advise on what other people feed theirs in similar situations. He can get fizzy if I feed anything hot so need to keep it low energy, maybe the nuts and alpha is enough, what do you guys think?
 
I'd say your better off supplying it more or less adlib. It will be cheaper. And if he needs 'more' then think about upping the hard feed.
 
With a bale a day of hay and what you're currently feeding you may find that's enough, however linseed would be good to add in if you feel his condition is dropping off. His size could have a couple of mugs a day (introduced gradually) and you shouldn't find it heating
 
Honestly, the majority of horses do just fine living out 24/7.
I'd say play it by ear and would suggest sticking to your current feed. 1 bale of hay a day sounds more than adequate mid winter. You just have to go by how the horse looks and how they feel to ride.

I have 2 horses out 24/7 - one retired horse (7/8th TB), one 7yo in light work and part clipped. Neither will get adlib hay for the vast majority of the winter, only if under snow and really dire cold. Otherwise both would come out of winter far to fat.
 
I would invest in a very good quailty rug. Feed more hay over hard feed, but you feel he needs anything extra then add in a balancer or linseed, I'd also be looking at putting an TINY (5-10kg) bit of extra weight on him now (if he is already not a porker) just so that you can manage him without him getting poor before you notice the condition dropping, it's easier to put condition on a good conditioned horse then one that's got poor.
 
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