I got asked a feeding question today

[Tr0uble]

My friend asked me today what I would suggest feeding a large horse who's workload was being upped. He's currently on forage, a basic but sound diet with adequate vits and minerals. He's young and still maturing but she'd like to up his workload once he turns 4, and was wondering the best way to give him the right energy for this.

He's got no dietry complications, not fizzy or hot headed, not skinny or fat...but he is LARGE (Shire x Percheron) so does need the calories to work....I gave her my suggestion which is what I would do if it was MY horse...but it got me thinking what other people would feed in that situation.

Just out of curiosity.

 

[hackinharry]

I'd stick to a forage base and use Alfalfa and beet with a vit/min supplement or a balancer depending on preferance and see how he goes TBH

 

[Tr0uble]

That's what I said! I haven't fed anything other than forage for about 15 years!

 

[Happy Hunter]

alpha a and beet from mee too
Maybe a mix for hard work later - but im talking more about next summer (saying me who has taken my girl 18months to jumpa double - I really should move upa gear!) with jumping and comps ect - The work going up a notch slowly and sensibly should be manageable

 

[CBFan]

I too would stick to the fibre... upping the alfa a to a point... if this doesn't work, I may be tempted to test out a sprinkle of oats I don't really like cereals and mixes etc but they do have place with some horses.

 

[AndySpooner]

I'd stick to a forage base and use Alfalfa and beet with a vit/min supplement or a balancer depending on preferance and see how he goes TBH

I'd agree with this.