New TB weight issue

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paddy5710

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I have just bought a 12yr old OTTB, you can see his ribs and his top line is practically non-existent!
He lives out 24/7
Can anyone recommend a conditioning feed mix and does anyone have any riding exercises that helps to build muscle, particularly over the top line.
Thanks
 
Havens slobbermash
Saracen enduro
Winergy condition

Plus linseed or copra

Big trug of readigrass. Soaked oats. Plenty of hay/lage and good grass.

Muscle will only come once the condition is on. Recommend walk and trot work in a bungee on the lunge whilst very poor.
 
I would not rely on a hard feed. More grass, or haylege, or hay will put weight on but results wont be overnight. If you need to give hard feed then something like unmolassed sugar beet works well. I've had 3 underweight TBs and all have done well on nothing more. Bear in mind that as OTT he may well have, or have had, ulcers.
Hill work and lots of hacking at this stage would be best imo, as he wont be physically ready for much school work, but if he's that underweight then don't overdo it or he'll just keep dropping weight.
 
Good grass and hay! Start with lots of hacking in straight lines as lots of circles = balance and an OTTB who isn't muscled up yet will find it very difficult. Hill work long, low and slow to start with will help build topline. Once you feel he is starting to strengthen a bit then start some schooling out hacking and some basic schooling in the school, maybe long lining.

Then id add a hard feed later once you are getting on well with the hacking. Alphalpha is good for conditioning however some are intolerant or allergic so be careful. Also I'd then add a good balancer, mirconised linseed (full fat) and yea-sacc to keep good gut health. Be prepared that as an ex racer he is likely to have/be suffering from ulcers so grass and hay is a good base to start with fibre wise.

Don't add anything quickly with regards to feed and work. It's all about patience with the TB, ive had mine 2.5 yrs now and he is just the weight I want and STARTING to go in the right path with our work, not rushing will pay off. Have fun! :)
 
Thanks for the advice everyone, and no he was retired from racing 3 years ago and has been reschooled since then. Put the past year has been left in a field and next to no work done with him
 
Adlib hay/haylage.

I have a poor doer ex racer and I have found that the best combination I have used so far is copra, linseed, kwikbeet, grass nuts. Oats would also be worth a try but I think they above are better for adding condition due to their fibre content. Good luck- any photos?
 
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