I just bought my first cob! Introduction + feed advice + photos!

[Birker2020]

Lovely boy

 

[ycbm]

Is that wanting to be ridden or just wanting some affection/attention/enrichment?

He's already been ridden. When he isn't ridden, he walks off into the field, when he is he hangs around at the gate wanting even more interaction. It's quite marked behaviour. I've never owned another quite like him.
.

 

[Red-1]

Rigsby has had his spring vet exam.

Worm count = 0, YAY!

EMS/Insulin test... In 2020, before I bought him, it was 213. In 2021, after slimming and a couple of courses of L94, it was 2.8 on starvation/caro sugar test. 2022, he was put on grass for 2 hours before testing and was... Less than 2!!!

So, Rigs was upped to 4 hours at grass, then... the weather turned and he is back off it again . But, at least I know he is processing sugar so can go back on it when it warms up and dries out.

His Cushings test in 2020, before I got him, was 27.5. Last year, 14.1. This year, we decided to wait until autumn. He looks well.

Rigs was beautifully behaved for his teeth. No sedative, mechanical grinding and I didn't even need to hold him. The vet just got stuck in. Such a champ!

 

[Fraggle2]

Such a good boy. And great news on all his tests ? ?

 

[chaps89]

I kind of abstratcly like the idea, but we (Mr Red especially) are fiercely protective of our privacy and he is kept at home.


I think you are correct. I think a lot of the guilt is actually because I know how lucky I am that he is fit, well, healthy, up for it, mannerly, fun etc and yet... he does nothing! I guess it seems like a waste.

I don't think he is bothered at all. He has a fuss every day. Now has field turnout as well as dry lot, and a stable. He can pester Baby Horse when he wants. His haylage is split into 5 portions, so always more food about to be delivered.

Sounds like the dream life to me - in fact mine would like to know how soon he can come and live with you please?!

 

[Ceriann]

Sounds like he’s having a lovely life and well done on all the progress. I have two healthy companions in their early teens. They get the same care as my ridden horse but do nothing - they are not wasted (neither is capable of being ridden for behavioural reasons). They are content, well mannered and will stay with me that way for the rest of their days. I wouldn’t rush to find a sharer if your boy is similarly settled.

 

[Red-1]

Silly me, putting a Rigsby post on with no photos. Photos are good!

Rigs is losing his coat hand over fist.

He has had his mane plaited because but has been warm, but it is warm no longer, so the mane is free again. It is kinky!

He has had his weekly leg clip and wash.

Handsome old man!

 

[Red-1]

He poos it, I pick it, it is the circle of (horse) life!!!




That is my stable jacket. Ripped, the zip is tricky to open, it is no longer waterproof, hay in the pockets, wadding coming out, paint on it....

Anyone else have a similar one? LOL.

Oh, and I tried Pink Mash for baby horse last night. He said no. I gave it to Rigs this morning, he said no too I almost called the vet! But no, he looks in great health. He has been having an hour at grass and is loving it. Will be going up to 4-6 hours a day soon, I hope.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

That is my stable jacket. Ripped, the zip is tricky to open, it is no longer waterproof, hay in the pockets, wadding coming out, paint on it....

I had a coat in that condition. It was the most comfortable coat I had ever had and in its day totally waterproof. I had it for years and only finally decided this winter to let it go. Really wish I could replace it but no chance or not in my price range.

 

[J&S]

I sent for a sample of pink mash and my mare would not touch it, even mixed in with normal food .

 

[southerncomfort]

I have 5 horsey coats/jackets. Only one has a workable zip. I can't bring myself to bin them though.

Considering tying a bit of bailer twine around my waist in lieu of a zip!

 

[Red-1]

I have 5 horsey coats/jackets. Only one has a workable zip. I can't bring myself to bin them though.

Considering tying a bit of bailer twine around my waist in lieu of a zip!

This one is naughty, it will let you zip yourself in, but then not let you out again! The wadding gets caught. Not helped as the zip pull is only a little stub now, most of it broke off through me tugging at it to release the wadding.

I do think that this will be its last winter. Been with me years, that jacket!

 

[Fraggle2]

If a horses rug was in the state our coats get into we would just replace them. .... but our favourite yard coats nope we will keep them till they fall apart literally ?

 

[Red-1]

It has really warmed up here today. Rigsby could go into hi stable, but no, he has the perfect shady spot!



I think it may be time to plait his mane up again tho, keeps him cool

He will be on the grass later, lucky boy.

 

[cauda equina]

I love his patio!
is it just road planings laid over soil?

 

[Red-1]

I love his patio!
is it just road planings laid over soil?

Yes, we dug down a bit first, so it is a lot of planings.

 

[Red-1]

Farrier here today. Rigs likes the attention!

 

[Red-1]

Back in plaits for Rigs because of the heat. The plaits really do seem to keep him cooler.

 

[Red-1]

I am prepping to go to weekend camp tomorrow with baby horse, so Rigs had to have his Sunday makeover early. Mr Red will be in charge of Rigs while I am gone, he purports to hate horses, but I do finally think he has taken a shine to Rigs.

 

[Parksmum3]

Who couldn’t take shine to that beautiful face ?

 

[DizzyDoughnut]

How could he not love Rigsby! My dad always maintained he didn't want a dog and didn't like horses, he was always volunteering to take the dog for a walk and chatting to the horses while he thought no one was watching!

 

[Red-1]

YESSSSSS!!!!!

YES, Baby Horse and Rigs had a nice groom!!!!
I have been so disappointed that Rigs always attacked Baby Horse. I intended they go out together, but it was not to be. Then we made the patio but Rigs tore a hole in his neck

I have facilitated in-hand associations but tonight is the first time I have left them to it.
They seem to be playing nicely, I only hope the baby is still in one piece at 8pm.

 

[Red-1]

Noooo, it got bumptious enough that our neighbour just rang to say someone was going the be injured and... baby horse is!

Just a bit of hair missing, but they are separate again. They can talk through the bars but apparently not more than that!!!

 

[ycbm]

Noooo, it got bumptious enough that our neighbour just rang to say someone was going the be injured and... baby horse is!

Just a bit of hair missing, but they are separate again. They can talk through the bars but apparently not more than that!!!

?‍

 

[Bluewaves]

Rigsby is a real rascal. Baby Horse is an absolute dote.

 

[Bellaboo18]

Noooo, it got bumptious enough that our neighbour just rang to say someone was going the be injured and... baby horse is!

Just a bit of hair missing, but they are separate again. They can talk through the bars but apparently not more than that!!!

??

 

[Reacher]

Norty Rigsby ? I do like an opinionated older gentleman (which is lucky as I own one!)

 

[Red-1]

Rigs had a spa day today. Then he volunteered for a ride out.

Such a shame he isn't ridden more often as he is sound as a pound and really enjoyed his outing. Not as much as the grass afterwards though.

 

[Red-1]

Well, baby horse's saddle is having a fitting issue and I missed my weekend at camp. Soooooo...

Rigsby went on a box trip out to ride out with a friend!

Just half an hour, perfect!

We had a little ride and practice load on Friday, being as he hasn't been anywhere since the visit to the care home in August, but I need not have worried, he was very excited to be dong something and simply loaded himself.

Today, Rigs had HUGE fun! He was a total dude, gent, expert, fun-filled, super-hero!

I was smiling all the way just because of how much he was enjoying himself.

 

[Red-1]

When he got home, he even gave Mr Red a little whinny, asking for special treats as he knew he had been so wonderful!