Feeding / exercise advice for Coloured Cob

[thehorsediva]

I have a 16h coloured cob whi's just turned 13yrs. He has always been forward going and rather spooky but at the moment I am unsure how to proceed with him. During the summer I have been able to ride more and subsequently he has become even fitter than normal. I am now finding that I need to ride him daily to keep him from getting too fizzy and even then he is always full of it. I seem to be doing longer and longer rides at a good pace to try and get rid of his energy...this is of course getting him even fitter! I am mixing hacking out with schooling, lots of transitions/ variety etc. Winter is approaching and I will not be able to ride quite as much and I am concerned that he will become out of control when I do ride! He is currently turned out and just has half a section of hay at night. In winter he is out during the day, in at night with a haynet (3-4sections) and a scoop of hi fi light to keep him happy. In the past he has suffered from Azeteria and I have had him on a vitimin mix through the winters. My friend has suggested putting him on a calmer supplement- does this sound like a good idea? Any other suggestions welcome...

 

[spotty_pony]

Have you had his saddle/teeth/back checked?

You say he is fitter than usual - has he got more muscle than he used to have? It could be his saddle isn't fitting him anymore.

 

[touchstone]

If your grass is having a bit of a spurt then that could account for a bit of exuberance! Try adding some magnesium to his feed as that acts as a calmer and won't do any harm even if he isn't deficient. (Feedmark sell it)