Feeding new cob

[Kirstd33]

So in June I took ownership of a 14.1 lightweight coloured gelding, lives out with company on a track system 24/7 but over the summer he’s been coming into his stable for 5-6 hrs and had ad lib hay (probably ate 2-3kg average) and was ridden 4-5 times a week, hacking or light schooling. Now I’m back at school teaching, he’s out all day and so not coming in having the hay. Last night I brought him in for a rug change and groom and he was starving and didn’t want to go back out again! His work load will drop now to just 2-3 times ridden a week and a short in-hand session. Any advice gratefully received for a new owner, his body condition is 3 so in good condition at the moment

 

[Barton Bounty]

Unlimited hay , he is telling you he is hungry

 

[Leah3horses]

I don't understand how he can be on a track system yet not have hay available? The whole point of a proper track system is minimal grass with maximum movement, and they are fantastic for this, but hay is always available, as ad lib as is possible for the horses. A bare track without hay is a welfare issue. Are you saying this is a bare track without hay available? If so, why not? Sounds like this is the case from what you say...do they only get access to hay in the stable?! Alarming if so. The level of work is immaterial,all horses need basic forage pretty much constantly, if no grass then of course they need constant access to hay??

 

[Pearlsasinger]

If he genuinely doesn't need hay to maintain his weight offer him plain oat straw chaff, or long oat/barley straw

 

[Kirstd33]

There is grass and quite a bit as it’s wet and warm here so it’s still growing well so it’s not a grassless track by a long chalk, but I understand your concern. I’ve added a small speedibeet feed this week and will be increasing his hay out in the field, I just don’t want him in too much yet until we stable overnight