Horse lacks energy

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miss_wilson

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Hi my 8 year old ID x mare just seems to have lost a bit of sparkle recently, I was concerned about her losing weight over the winter, now her weight is good she just seems a bit lack lustre!
She is 16'2 and is ridden 5 times a week 40 mins to 2hrs, she does show jumping, dressage, ODE's and a bit of endurance! I feel a bit mean at the moment as she just looks a bit unenthusiastic!
She is currently fed hifi molasses free (or top spec lite as local feed store ran out if hifi!) topspec cool balancer, oestress and punk powder and has 2 feeds a day!
I just want to give her a bit more energy without blowing her brains!
She went a bit nutty on speedibeet over the winter!
Any suggestions welcome!!
 
I have found that the recent flush in grass has made mine quiter! Do you ride her straight from the field?
 
My ID x was the same. I had his saddle reflocked and his back seen to after he put on condition and he is now so forward going I can barely keep up.
Mind you he now has a quiet time after lunch and goes into a coma with his eyes open between 1 and 5pm.
I've found his energy levels are highest around 10am whch is halfway between breakfast and lunch and before his afternoon slump.
Not sure but perhaps your horse needs the saddle looked at after changing weight/shape and also might be like us humans in that they have a time of day when they feel more energetic.
 
I use whole oats,soaked and rinsed. Seems to be working for my KWPN without blowing his brains.
BTW. What is punk powder?..Does it claim to add extra zip?....gotta try some of that!:D
 
A lot of horses at our yard are out of sorts atm. It seems that the season is screwed up, moults are late etc - and maybe they're just picking up on it - that and the rubbish year we've had so far?
 
amymay said:
Where are the calories coming from for all the work she's doing?
Click to expand...

This, your horse is being fed few calories in her feed. Is she out 24/7 or is she in and if so does she get good quality hay-ledge or hay? What condition is she (i.e condition score) now?
 
I have same problem with my boy at no-go need bit more oomph but he put in weight VERY easily!
Muzzled during day, in at night with soaked hay & only get topspec lite balancer any suggestions on feeds with energy & minimal/no weight gain? (prob impossible I know!!)
 
Her weight is perfect at the moment, they hay is good quality, but I understand where you are coming from.... Suggestions welcome to increase calories
 
This may not be the answer you are looking for but it might be worth putting him on a supplement called Restore by Global herbs, I needed something to support my boy and keep his energy up after he was taken off steroids which were treating liver problems, so far so good, his energy hasn't dropped, which was expected and he's looking really well.
 
I would suggest speaking to a feed company to figure out what is best for your horse however oils can be good for 'non-heating' energy with added bonus of healthy skin (eg soya oil).

I would even consider going back to speedibeet but feeding a it less than whatever amount made her loopy.
 
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