New horse - introducing first feed?

[HeyCasablanca]

I've had my new horse for just over a month now, he's a Fjord so he's naturally a very, very good doer. His previous owner did not have him on any feeds or supplements, and I've continued with only given him free choice dry hay as he settles in.

My concerns are that he's a veteran and suffers from dry feet, which I was advised causes him to struggle to hold front shoes and ending up footsore when barefoot (he's only shod in front). He also has minor conformational issues in his front legs. In an ideal world I'd want to start slowly introducing a supplement for his feet, and then later a veteran feed to offer general support to his joints. However, I've never had a horse on absolutely no feed at all before. Though I've also never had a chubby, good doer before either!

I'm particularly interested in the Hilton Herbs ranges, and the Thunderbrook feeds as these are what I've used previously. My question is, how do I go about safely introducing feed to him for the first time in many, many years? The comfort of his feet are my main worry at the moment (I'm also looking at hoof boots, and talking with my farrier!) but I also don't want to end up with a very round hippo or a vet bill.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I would look for a hoof friendly supplement in the form of nuggets, then he won't need any extra feed that he doesn't need. A small amount of linseed should also help his joints and shouldn't put excess weight on. Do introduce both gradually though, so that you can monitor carefully for adverse reactions.