Help! Change in youngsters behaviour

[jadeD]

The last few days since the weather has dramatically dropped(minus 5 last night where we are), could be unrelated but my 18month old cob x trotter (quite finely built) colt has started acting differently. He is usually a timid softy, he came to me a year ago basically feral with a great fear of humans.
Now he loves to be scratched groomed and generally loves a fuss. Still not a huge fan of a headcollar but he lets you do most things without one. Never bitten/kicked or anything but the last few days he stamps his feet in temper when I touch him, struck out at me when I went to itch his chest which he usually loves and tried to kick out when I tried to move him over.

He is fed a youngstock balancer and Alfa A lite once a day with ad lib hay in a huge shelter with his buddy. He's been unrugged all his life but Tonight he feels cold. He is a nice weight for this time of year and has a good hairy coat.

He is due to be castrated next week as previously planned. So not sure if I started rugging now this would 1) freak him out having only had one tried on. 2) get in the way of his bits healing next week. Could just be a coincidence with the weather but I just wanted to put my mind at rest. Thanks

 

[Orangehorse]

Well, I can understand that you feel a bit concerned, but I personally wouldn't start rugging him. He has plenty of food and shelter. Young TBs are kept out without rugs and it is probably best just to leave things as they are for now. I can't comment on the feed you are giving him, but it sounds as though it is a good thing the castration is booked - although if the weather gets really nasty your vet might postpone it.

 

[vanrim]

Try cutting the alfalfa out. Some horses can't tolerate it.