Honest opinions on my veteran....

Hippona

Hippona

Well-Known Member
Joined
23 June 2008
Messages
9,741
Location
The independant state of Yorkshire
Visit site
...but please dont be too nasty or I may have to batter you...
grin.gif


Hes around 21, bit of Arab in there somewhere...quite stressy and can lose weight/condition easily. He had a fractured cannon bone last year, and lost weight/muscle while on box-rest, so I have been gradually building him up and now hes back in full work..hacking, schooling, odd little jumping session...

I think he looks ok at the moment, but then I love him to bits and am probably a bit blinded. I know he is still probably a bit under conditioned, but I wanted an honest unbiased opinion....from peeps that don't know him/me and feel obliged to be kind.....cheers!
grin.gif


DSC_0358_edited.jpg
 
Oh isn't he a lovely chap? Yes, I would like to see more on him as well. But I'm sure that it's nothing that a bit of good grass and a bucket of grub twice a day wouldn't rectify.

He certainly doesn't look his age does he?
 
He looks fantastic!
He is gorgeous. I have a soft spot for greys.

You have done very well with his rehab for him to look so good.
 
I think he looks fine. I wouldn't worry too much about keeping the slightly more mature horses up to weight, as long as they are healthy (and not a rack of bones - which yours isn't!!!) I think it is better for them to be slimmer, rather than fatter.

Less pressure on their joints then - esp if yours has had a recent leg injury - probably doens't want to be hauling a huge ass around does he?!
grin.gif
Our 24 year old looks similar to him condition wise, although ours has a big grass belly
smile.gif
 
I'd say for his type/age & history he's looking pretty good - a little extra along top would be lovely but given our typical "British" summer we're getting that's probably going to take a bit longer but keep going - you'll get there. He's lovely and tbh at that age I wouldn't want them carrying MASSES of extra weight - just more stress on legs/organs/etc.
 
Thanks very much peeps....made my day.
laugh.gif
I personally dont think he looks his age, certainly doesnt act it!

Yes, he does get a grass belly depending what field he's in - he looks like an egg on sticks then.....
shocked.gif


Hellybelly- yes, grey are my faves, always a sucker for them from being a kid...bugger to keep clean, but i always think they look stunning when cleaned up
 
Oow he looks lovely...very handsome chap and does look well for his age.

Me personally would try and get a bit more on him but all horses are different and then you have the disadvantage of them being veterans... so its easier said than done, obviously there is a difference in a) condition b) being over weight and c) just having bloated grass belly....and only you know how 'well' your horse can do, plus he does look like finer type so then again perhaps he's just perfect they way he is now.
smile.gif


I'm sure if your feeding him well, taking care of his teeth, adjusting his nutritional needs to that of a vetran...he's in fine hands!
smile.gif
 
Hi - yes he is very fine, he's never gonna be a chubby...
smirk.gif
...I would like more weight on him but he can be very tricky to feed....mixes, even cool mixes, send him demented.. so hes on conditioning cubes and veteran chaff, vits and mins supplement for vets which has a joint supplement in it also...in winter he gets speedibeet as well, but I don't suppose theres any reason why he can't have it now too....

He tends to be more muscle than fat, which is a good thing really ...his back side very muscled, but i would like a bit more padding on him generally. His teeth were very poor when i got him, but he has the dentist regularly now and they are in pretty good nick. TBH, I spend more time worrying how to feed him than the kids..
grin.gif
...how shocking is that
shocked.gif
 
He's lovely !
I'd like to see a bit more 'padding ' on his quarters , but I have a 23 y.o TB who has never muscled up in that region - like your horse . Also , I know the problems of feeding - supabarley was tried & he got a little more chubby - but was uncontrollable to ride !

You obviously care for him very well & that's what matters
smile.gif
 
Bless him. He reminds me v much my old Anglo Arab
smile.gif
he too would drop weight when stabled...

Although he looks nice, IMO, I would want more condition on him. I'm not sure why it would be the case that mixes over excite him, but cubes/speedibeet don't?!
confused.gif


Have you tried either of the spillers veteran mixes? They are super. I also can't speak high enough of what topspec senior balancer has done for my oldie
smile.gif
and devils claw and cortaflex for her joints
smile.gif


Glad to hear you've sorted his teeth, but have you done a worm count? Might explain the trouble you're having building him up.

I see you say you are feeding him veteran chaff - if you're not already, then use try the Dengie one
smile.gif
it's fab!! (and smells yum
grin.gif
) I found it very good as a part hay substitute for putting weight on an oldie who didn't keep condition when stabled, and have kept using it since
smile.gif


Good luck picking him up a little and let us know how you get on
smile.gif
 
Hi - thanks, yes, ive tried every mix known to man - he just goes flippin mental
shocked.gif
, hes rather hot headed at the best of times anyway.

Ive had him on Blue chip in the past, and he did ok on that- bit pricey but I spose you get what you pay for- and he's worth it!

I give him Molli veteran which he likes (its got herbal 'stuff' in it for inflammation and stiff joints) but Ive never tried the Dengie veteran, didnt know they did one, may give that a go.
Hes also on Feelgood30 15+ supplement which seems to put a spring in his step. He is wormed regularly, but I never thought of a worm count....Hmmmm, something to ponder...

Thanks for your input Puppy, everyone else too that has taken the time to comment....I will keep at it and post some more when he's a bit more covered
grin.gif
 
He looks so like my old chap! Not the same colour but the same build. I also have always had probs keeping weight on him.

Your horse has fat on his bum and shoulder. For a skinny this is a good thing IMO! They dont carry fat where most horses do but this shows that he carries some.

I have found cubes to be better than mix for mine. Veteran mix sent him completely OTT!!! I also keep him out on good grass as much as possible and avoid stressful situations. Shows went by the board a while ago and hunting was out of the question after one attempt!!! You could literally see the weight dropping off.

If mine is stabled he drops weight so fast it is unbelievable so i know exactly what you are up against.
smile.gif


He doesnt look to bad to me but just keep an eye on his stress levels!
smile.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top