Muscle wastage, lost condition and what to do about it?

[Blizzard]

Some advice would really be appreciated.

Basically what would you do for a horse that :

Has been out of work for half a year
Is the type to lost muscle and condition when not fit, he just stands in the field and doesnt move, no galloping around so not keeping his muscles working!

He is 17.2hh and is looking a bit worse for wear at the moment, doesnt have the greatest confirmation but he has quite a lot of muscle wastage it seems, under saddle area, quite a bony back end too, but he is not particularly ribby, he just looks like he has lost all his muscle.

Im thinking what do I do in terms of feed really, or supplements, I want to add condition, he doesnt fizz up on any food so whatever will be best, i just want him to shape up really.
We will be getting him fit, walking for a few weeks first etc, but I want to do all I can for him to get him looking well.

Thanks.

 

[samsaccount]

Boiled oats! They put weight and condition on without heating the horse up. But there is also weight gain feeds which would also help.

Sorry very basic and general

 

[PapaFrita]

Noooo, don't boil the oats, just soak them. Brilliant, brilliant feed with alfalfa/lucerne. Made the world of difference to skinny-arse PF!!

 

[Blizzard]

Thank you, sorry if its a silly question but is it a certain type of oats and how to I prepare them?
Never fed them before!

 

[samsaccount]

Soaked oats sorry coudln't remember which one it was....was going to link your essay you posted on it PF.

 

[PapaFrita]

Regular whole oats. Soak for 12-24 hours and drain (I only drain until they stop dripping, not the hour or so suggested by fact sheet) and bob's your uncle; horses love 'em, are calm, shiny and put condition on effortlessly.
Will PM you the info

 

[Blizzard]

Thanks so much for that info Piefrill!