Hard feed for natives - wwyd?

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LittleBoPeep

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I have a native who is seriously lacking in energy; I would like to start giving him some hard feed, however he is not thin. I really struggle to keep weight off of him. I am aware that hard feed would just be adding Kcal, that I already have to restrict.

Has anybody got any suggestions for a hard feed I can give him, which will benefit the energy levels, but not pile on the pounds?

Thanks for your help in advance!
 
They could be lacking vitamins and minerals rather than calories. Also fitness plays a big role in energy levels as does enjoyment. What work do they get now? x
 
That's a fair point, I had not really thought about the v&m side of things, the field is pretty exhausted!

Pony does not get a huge amount of work (2x school, 2x hack). Hes only 4 though, so still only has baby fitness! I cant think that he's bored, the school work is pretty limited, and our hacking is amazing!
 
I tried giving my 5 yr old cob rolled oats for energy - had no effect at all! She is now 5 1/2 and I'm finding her energy is naturally increasing as she is growing up. We are doing no schooling at all this winter - just lots of hacking.
 
Get the weight off first and see what your left with then. Mine is naturally not the most forward of creatures (unless its his decision) but when he is lean and I can see a shadow of his ribs he is much better. If he has to much grass or feed he be feels sluggish and bloated, good schooling also makes a difference when you say go he must go immediately.
 
My native is better after a haircut (clip) and fittening work. You could try some spillers instant response mix but it will just pile on the pounds unless they ar working hard :(
 
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cheeryplatypus said:
My native is better after a haircut (clip) and fittening work. You could try some spillers instant response mix but it will just pile on the pounds unless they ar working hard :(
Click to expand...

I hadn't really thought about clipping him, may make a difference though I suppose.... Its more something I had in the pipeline for next year (he still has a tendency to freak out about stuff like that)....

Maybe I should just sack it off until Spring when he is hair free! Its easier to get weight off in spring as well (it can go back in a pen once the ground is dry)!
 
A round Native lacking energy...with the caveat that I don't know the exact situation, I'd suspect that hard feed is the last thing it needs. I'd go for making sure its vits and minerals are balanced, cut out excess sugars (is he on grass, and how good is it?), and up the level of exercise. A fit person on a healthy diet will tend to have more energy than a fat person living on donuts.

My pony tends to be wider than tall even when worked regularly, and even a day on good grass can make him behave as though he has a hangover.
 
Unless the pony is sluggish due to exhaustion (which is undoubtedly NOT the case), feeding for fizz is not the answer, general fitness and training for forwardness is.
 
I have a native who is certainly not slim (although not fat). He can be very fizzy when fed, but he just gets a handful of chaff and Spillers Lite Balancer. This ensures he has his vitamins and minerals and he certainly has energy without fizz. He doesn't appear to put weight on with it, either.
 
My welsh natives (2 sec A's & a 4yo sec D) are now on a small amount of Dengies hi-fi lite (lasts forever) and Baileys no 14 conditioner (expensive but for one should last 2 months) plus micronised linseed for coat condition.
It's been a juggling act to find the right combination of feed but this really does suit them all.
 
Having a native myself the best thing I've found is naf ener-g gives them spark without the naughtiness! I feed my native 2 scoops alfa a molasses free, 2 mugs lo cal balancer and 3 mugs top spec cool condition cubes. He isn't a good/bad doer, just perfect :)
 
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