Feeding question

[chestnut cob]

So, vet is telling me that horse needs to be kept "hunting fit" all year round. Any suggestions as to what I should feed him while getting him fit, and then keeping him like that?

Currently in light work (up to an hour, 5 days a week, mostly schooling), but he will be doing hacking and fast work, no schooling, if I can find someone to exercise him for me. Being fed a handful or two of basic D&H mix, and a scoop of HiFi Lite.

He's a Welsh D, needs to lose some weight but this will come with the extra work. Any suggestions? He will tend to be lazy if allowed, don't want something that's going to make him bonkers though!

 

[Lucy_Ally]

I would leave him on what he is to be honest, I would maybe add a splash of veg oil to help with stamina. If you feel he is lacking energy as he gets fitter then I would up the veg oil and maybe put him on alfa instead of hifi.

 

[chestnut cob]

Thanks Lucy, more or less what I was thinking TBH. Only problem is I find that oil makes him, erm... loose

Is there anything I can do to combat that?

 

[pottamus]

He should get more energy as the excess weight comes off. I find my Welsh D to be lazy until he starts getting fitter. I would gradually increase the trot work and then instroduce strong steady canters...that will liven him up a bit. You may find that the hacking work perks him up a bit too...some get bored of school work too often.

 

[chestnut cob]

Thanks, it's not so much how to get him fit as what to feed him when he gets there/on the way.

 

[druid]

I'd keep him on the D&H mix and add something like tiger oats as and when you feel he needs them, that way if he's off work or taking it easy you can pull the oats and keep the mix without upsetting his gut!

Otherwise look at a rice bran supplement.