horse not quite right... any ideas

[wench]

my horse isnt quite right atm. A couple of weeks ago he seemed really keen, and was his normal self. The weekend after that he seemed very slow when I was riding him, and not himself. He got worse last week, and think he maybe had a bit of a cold or a virus. Rode him this weekend, and he seems a lot better, he is still not quite right.

His back doesnt need checking, and his teeth were done a month ago. Was thinking about checking his saddle, not really due yet, and I dont think that will cause a problem over such a short period of time (not changed shape much at all)

wondered if he could be a bit lacking in his feed (is on a scoop each of suger beet and barley), or maybe if he has an abcess coming?

 

[AmyMay]

Could be feed related. How much grass does he have at the moment??

Does he have a temerpature?

 

[wench]

not much grass at the minute, some is coming through. I dont think he has a temperature (not that I have tried taking it), but I have checked him over, and doesnt feel hotter than normal.

 

[YorkshireLass]

Sugar beet and barley don't make for a balanced diet! Combined with low value winter grass he could be a bit lacking in vitamins and minerals. I would buy him a sack of feed balancer and a salt/mineral lick and see if he perks up.

 

[AmyMay]

[ QUOTE ]
not much grass at the minute, some is coming through. I dont think he has a temperature (not that I have tried taking it), but I have checked him over, and doesnt feel hotter than normal.

[/ QUOTE ]
I wonder if he just needs more grub then perhaps it's just an energy thing..

 

[Shilasdair]

Take his temperature, if you can - it may indicate a problem. Or perhaps you could get a vet to come out and check him, and take bloods which can give a clue to reduced performance (and they'd do the temp for you

)
S

 

[emma_lg]

Maybe had a low-grade virus but own body immune sys fighting it off?????...maybe get vet to do some bloods if not happy and unlike him to be have a downturn like this. They would check temperature too.
Change in weather can often trigger virus's...