Feeding for sparkle?

[golddustsara]

I am loaning a 7yo connemara gelding who is very backwards thinking when schooling or out hacking alone (or with just one other horse). To make him more forward thinking I keep the schooling varied with lots of transitions inc. halt to trot/walk to canter etc. I also try raised trotting poles to get him using his back end more as he is lacking in this department and plenty of lateral work as he is quite unflexible.

The only time this boy wakes up is a. On the hunting field or b. XC/busy show. As he is lively when other horses are around I have tried groundwork to make him trust me and be more forwards out alone. However, my efforts do not seem to be paying off and he is still v lazy alone/schooling.

It has been suggested that I try feeding a competition mix as currently he is on Allen and Page Calm and Condition, balancer and chaff. How do people feel about giving lazy horses oats to hype them up a bit?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Haha on the plus side I'm getting fit as he is so lazy!

 

[kellyeaton]

if he is only on allen page calm and condition i would not step up to oats yet that is a big leap try i medium engery food maybe something like d&d country cudes and and a gull of corn oil. that should do it if that dont step up again.

 

[pixiebee]

you could add somke oats, just add a tiny amount and gradually build up to the desired effect. just be careful when upping amounts as it can take a few days to have effect!!!