my boy is sluggish....

[rachyhorsiehib]

It is now 6 weeks since jolls threw me off (following a diet with a little too much energy in), but now the weather is cold and he is back on bog standard hay an happy hoof (he's a good doer little connie) he's really lacking energy. I've only had him since Sept 19th an I'm finding it a really tough time of year to get to know a new pony. Too slippy to hack, too solid to school or jump... He gets bored easily an I can't say it's completely going the way I'd hoped. I'm going to have to give him some feed with more energy in but something that doesn't send him wappy, but what?....

Apologies for rant, a baileys coffee an chocolate if you stuck with this!

 

[kirstyl]

Hi!
Does he always feel as if he is lacking in energy or is still able to find enough to spook, jump etc? From personal experience I would be very cautious upping the energy levels. Such a difficult time at moment with ground so hard that you can't get required work in! And it's early days with your boy. I got my new horse in September too and it's a very steep learning curve! Initially I was feeding Spillers cool mix and half scoop of Alpha A - sent him nutty! Now on Allen and Page quiet pencils and Hi Fi, much saner horse.
If you really feel you need a bit more umph perhaps a slow energy release mix would be suitable. Best person to ask is a reputable feed merchant or ring the feed company helpline.

Don't despair, it takes a good while to get to know your horse inside out - that's what I keep telling myself anyway!

 

[rachyhorsiehib]

Thanks!! I guess I have to live an learn!...