No va va voom!

Gilbey

Gilbey

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Our advanced level dressage horse (17) has always been the same in competition from Novice to GP. He is slightly nuts at home but in a nice way, but get him to a compettion especially in the arena and he goes dead to the leg and looks exhausted! Back outside he is his usual self again....I have tried feeding him up and giving the rider rescue remedy (in case it was him), but nothing ever changes. Now I am not saying he doesn't do well at shows but if he had that extra bit of va va voom in the arena he could be great. The horse is on Blue Chip Pro, Top Spec Turbo, Tiger Oats and Readigrass. He has cortaflex and think pink. More recently I have been adding Magic to see if it was stress but we had a show yesterday and exactly the same. Has anyone got a similar problem and what can I do about it? Any advise or critique welcomed.
 
Could he just be bored? I.e. does he have a varied work life? Does his rider always practice (possibly even the same test) a lot before the comps?

Having said that I'm currently jumping someone who is much more controlled when competing than at home... and it really helps so we're the opposite way around.
 
Is it possible that he's just a bit ring-crafty, and knows you won't get after him in front of the judge? You could try a few 'sacrificial' tests, really get after him in the ring and don't let him drop off. You'll get bad marks, but it might teach him that he can't just nod off during the test!
 
No he isn't bored Tickles as he jumps, hacks and schools at home. He goes out in the field with his mates for a bit of rough and tumble too. He hadn't been competed this time for 3 months. We have sacrificed an odd test or two to get after him but once again all that happened was he went whizzy in the test and then back to 'usual' :( thanks for your interest though!!:)
 
As he doesn't lack energy at home how about using NupaFeed syringes instant energy. Maybe the travelling takes more out of him than most horses. I was always told an hour travelling was equivalent to 10km working (sorry endurance rider, probably about 40 mins schooling). Would it be worth letting him have a stretch in a paddock before you load him so he can get moving rather than going from stood in stable to stood in box then stood tied to box before working? Just trying to think of different ways to approach the day that may stimulate him into action.
 
I have no concrete ideas but one thing that springs to mind is the type of feed... high in starch and digestible sugars which gives a peak-trough effect on energy levels. It's quite a lot of energy. Wondering if a high fibre/high protein mix might give a more steady level of energy...

I also have the same problem... the only va va voom we have is out on fast hacks up the hills! I put it down to boredom too.

Mine is on grass and gets a "treat" feed after work to keep him motivated with nothing more than speedibeet & herbs.

A friend suggested I look at thunderbrook - literally looked at it today as I'm having similar probs - I think I need to add more protein to his diet. Can't have starch as not good for him. Well expensive though!
 
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Thank you all for your advises. Pip6 you have a very good point and I have spoken to the Nupafed people today and ordered some to be delivered tomorrow. We do think it could well be the travelling as although he travels very well its always at least two hours to our nearest dressage show. It would be fab if you have nailed it for us, so a big hug in advance!!:):)
 
Can horses get stage fright? I only ask as my old boy would do a perfect dressage round or jump a great course at home, get him the ring and is was almost as if he was too 'embarrassed' sounds silly I know but it really did take the wind out of his sails
 
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