How Can I Put Some Oomph Into My Horse?

TheresaW

TheresaW

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Since Mac started living out about a year ago, he has become so lazy it is untrue. He does have arthritis, which is the main reason I turned him out, but I don't beleive this is the cause of his laziness. A big part of me thinks it is boredom related. He is quite intelligent.

We took him on a Sponsored ride back in April, and he was really forward and excited and up for a really good time. Once back home, back to his usual self. A new mare went out with the herd, and as herd leader, he tormented her for days and chased her about. Hack him out in the forest daily, and it is all you can do to get him to put one foot in front of the other. At the end of a hack, I am more tired than him. He has a lesson about once a month, and wakes up and works well and starts to enjoy himself. We went to a new part of the forest a couple of weeks ago, and as soon as we got into parts he didn't know, he was alert and looking about him and much more fun to ride.

When I feed him in the field, most horses come running like they haven't been fed for a month. He strolls over without a care in the world.

What can I do to wake him up a bit?
 
If he's the boss horse then he's less likely to run over to his food than the others. Our boss pony quite often just ambles over as opposed to running - esp at this time of year when really they're not actually that hungry.

I do believe horses can egt a bit bored though, mine is similar but when he goes out to a show/event it perks him up and he'll be the big " I am" for a few days after like he feels important again. Your horse is probably so used to where you hack he knows he does not have to worry so is happy to be rather casual about it. It probably is a good idea to go to different places now and then to keep him alert.

Go find some decent stubble field and give him a good gallop !
 
Where did I put that rocket and pot of grease
grin.gif


How about schooling on hacks, different routes, different horses to go out with - perhaps I should bring Stinky over to go out with him, might do them both good.

Finally, Cairo needed to have a whip, long western reins or a pair or spurs at times - if he did the plod thing, one hard slap made it clear to get a move on and did not need to be repeated.

Finally have you tried some red cell - maybe he needs a boost and this stuff is great and can on some be rocket fuel. Certainly perked the old man up when he was a bit down.
 
LadyT, trouble is, he won't go anywhere on his own, completely freaks if he hasn't got at least one friend with him. Sponsored rides etc are fine as a few of us hire a lorry and go. Would love to be able to just put him on a trailer and go off for the day.

Theresa, bringing Stinky over would be a great idea. Would be good experience for Stinky, and Mac would be a very calm influence on him.

Carrying a whip makes no real difference. Thought about spurs, but honestly don't think I have a good enough leg position and could hurt him.

What is red cell?
 
I use a couple of cups of tiger oats every day added to P's feed to give him a bit of sparkle. Tried comp mix but that just made him quite spooky - I find tiger oats just give a bit of oomph but don't fizz them up. Plus they have balancer in them so thats a bonus.
 
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