Lacking 'spark'

R

rforsyth1984

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 August 2005
Messages
1,223
Location
Lancashire
Visit site
For the last few months my horse (15yo arab gelding) has been a bit flat when ridden. He's not exhausted, but just doesn't have any oomph in him, and its affecting his schooling - dressage marks have been gradually getting lower over the summer!

Even hacking, he's a bit laid back, needing encouragement to stay in canter on the gallops etc. He's never been a total livewire but recently he seems tired.

I don't think a competition mix would be suitable, as he's had laminitis in the past.

Currently he has dodson and horrell ultimate balancer, alfa beet and ad-lib haylage, and is turned out 12 hours a day, with the odd night out when the weather is good.

Ridden 5 days a week, schooling, hacking and jumping. Competes (dressage/SJ/showing) about twice a month, and do a couple of fun rides/XC rides twice a month.

Any advice? I've contacted Dodson and Horrell but wondered if anyone on here might have any suggestions?
 
Is he losing weight? Poo normal? Have you had any health checks done? I'd at least get the vet to check heart rate, lung sounds (at rest and after exercise), blood test, eyesight. Could be anaemic, heart murmur, lung problems, needs a summer holiday, digestive problems, low grade virus ( a lot about at the moment), anything really. He seems to have quite a hefty work schedule so maybe just being turned away for the rest of the summer would give his body and his mind a well earned break?
 
Thanks for your reply BOF, Vet has given him the ok, but didn't do any blood tests. He is otherwise perky, maintaining weight fine etc. He has just had a 2 week break whilst I went on holiday.

Could be a bit run down/low grade virus I suppose, but no other symptoms. He does have some minor respiratory issues (coughs/snorts at the start of work) but the vet has written that off as nothing to worry about.

I did wonder if the balancer would be meeting all his energy/vitamin/mineral requirements now he is doing a bit more work, obviously got to be careful with the weight/laminitis but maybe he just needs a supplement or some oil based addition? He picked up in the spring, when the grass started to come through, but has gradually settled as the grass has reduced, which makes me think it might be an energy isse perhaps?
 
Might be worth ringing one of the feed helplines. Get all your info together ned, height, weight, current feeding and work regime etc etc. They will work you out a diet (well, your horse) that contains enough usable energy without making your boy too nutty. Certainly sounds like an energy thing. Word of advice - the feed helplines understandably push their own brands but you could probably adjust it according to your favourite brands as long as you keep the calories etc the same. Good luck and hope your ned gets his sparkle back soon x
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top