I'm really sorry, but how's he looking?

redcascade said:
Would you ask about individual turnout then Niki?
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Certainly for my mare it worked as she was able to spend more time eating/chilling and less time having to worry about her position in 'her herd'. It might be worth observing him (without him knowing) and seeing where he fits in. If, everytime he puts his head down to graze he is moved on by something else, although he has access to grass he may not be getting it.

Also, my girl moved from the first box in quite a busy yard (i.e. the one by the gate so everyone walked by her) to one that is tucked away on a smaller yard (her current yard is three sections and she is on the least busy one).

I guess it's a bit like us being in a stressful job where there is a lot of rivalry. You can deal with it and do what is required, but will probably feel a bit drained. But when you are working in a place where everyone is supportive and the environment is comfortable, you will feel, and probably look a lot healthier.

If you know he is getting what should be enough food (and I mean you really know rather than being told by the YO/YM) then in theory he should be keeping the weight on. I think it's about taking a look at the overall picture and not just what you are feeding him. Hope that helps.
 
He is surrounded by other horses in fields but there is only him and one other in his field but Red seems to be incharge :rolleyes: He is one the quietest part of the yard he could be in the 12 horse barn :eek: Him and two others are in a seperate sheltered bit and there's really only me that goes and sees my horse round there :( I can definately see what you mean. He has really lost anything I don't think but he's not putting any one either so he must need more
Thanks :D
 
redcascade said:
He is surrounded by other horses in fields but there is only him and one other in his field but Red seems to be incharge :rolleyes: He is one the quietest part of the yard he could be in the 12 horse barn :eek: Him and two others are in a seperate sheltered bit and there's really only me that goes and sees my horse round there :( I can definately see what you mean. He has really lost anything I don't think but he's not putting any one either so he must need more
Thanks :D
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It sounds as though he has a pretty chilled life then! :) Other than upping his feed (plenty of advice above), the only other thing I can think of is to make sure his teeth are ok. I can't imagine you haven't as he is so beautifully turned out, but it may be worth getting your EDT to have another look. However good the food is that he is eating, he won't be getting all the nutrients from it if it is not getting chewed properly.

ETA sorry if you already mentioned his teeth were ok, had a quick look but didn't see any mention of it. :)
 
In that last pic he looks much better. Seeing this I don't think he actually needs to put weight on just muscle.

Now muscle building is different that weight gain. He needs lots of hill work to build that back end! He needs a feed that will promote muscle build up.

He does need that amount of food twice a day though, it is not a massive amount for the size and type he is.

It is so important for muscle developement that the correct vits and minerals are provided, without it you could well be wasting money on the current feed as it is not utilized correctly.

http://www.dodsonandhorrell.com/products/horse-ranges/balancer/ultimate-balancer.html

This is an excellent one
 
He looks pretty much like how my Tb looked in june time, although yours has a better neck :p ... In that last piccy he looks alot more covered over his back/hindquarters. My boy improved sooo much over a couple of months (theres post on him up here somewere to lol) Does he get haylage when hes out in the field? I also think the Alfa A Oil is fab and lunging with draw reins really helps build more topline :)
 
Teeth were done a few weeks ago :) Right hills it is then! I will go and plan a route with the most hills right now! Breakfast too! What pace would you say for hill work to be the most effective?
millitiger- He is ridden nearly everyday, 7 days usually providing the weather is ok and I'm not working after college, hacking and schooling and he is usually out jumping every other weekend ;)
Nicole- That makes me feel better as I always thought your boy's weight was good :) There isn't any hay in the field yet, there's still quite a bit of grass for him at the moment :) Will get some Alfa A Oil as everyone recommends it and I do lunge him a bit with draw reins- god bless kerilli! :p
Thanks so much for all your advice guys! I really appreciate it :D
 
Thanks brighteyes, glad you like him :D Like I say we can't afford it at the moment my mum is on sick pay as she has breast cancer but will ask her about it once she starts working again :) I have a part time job but I don't earn enough to buy him haylage :(
 
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