Feeding for the show ring

[hallarider]

Hi

My heavyweight hunter's first show is in April and he could do with a little more weight. Hes fit at the moment but could do with with bulking out a bit. At the moment hes on 1 and a bit round scoops conditioning cubes, 1 sugar beet and molichaff calmer and corn oil, he has 3 feeds a day. I don't want him obese but hes got to put on bulk if hes going to compare with the others in the ring! Are there any suggestions? I can't feed him barley ! Hes also on adlib hay/haylage. he weighs around 800kg.

many thanks

 

[gummybear]

How big is he? Dont forget by April the spring grass will hopefully be coming through so will he not put weight on through that? Have you got any field/can you section a field off to give the grass a bit of a rest then put him on there. I generally dont mind mine being slightly less bulky this time of year because as soon as they go onto the spring grass that really helps them. Does he have all that split into 3 feeds, or is that amount per feed?

 

[NW1]

I agree with gummy bear, there is not much point trying to do anything now, just wait for the spring grass to work its wonders. Dont worry too much as the vast majority of show horse start the season a lot skinnier then at the end of the season!

All i can say is dont forget that there is a difference between putting bulk on and getting a porky belly!

It would be nice to see some pictures of your horse now, at their first show & through out the season

Good luck

 

[hallarider]

Hi many thanks for your replies, that amount is split between the three feeds!

You are right about the grass though.

NW1 will try and post some pictures - am not very good with that. Its our second season at county level and I have infact four show horses - all hunters! Am trying to learn as much as possible!