Ottb - feed for weight gain?

[oakleyyy]

I’ve recently started loaning an 11yo 16.2hh OTTB who is on ad-lib hay, out during the day and stabled at night. He currently only has a scoop of chaff daily (Baileys Cool Calm Condition), but I’m not happy with his condition as I can see and feel his ribs.
He’s coming back into light work after a few months off (20mins walking, 4–5 times a week, hacking/arena, no ridden work yet), and I’m concerned he isn’t getting enough nutrition for muscle development.
I’m considering adding a balancer and possibly linseed, especially as his grazing is poor. Any advice on what to feed to improve his condition and increase his weight safely would be really appreciated. I've attached some pictures too.

 

[oakleyyy]

Edit: He can be quite fizzy sometimes and get excited when being worked, so I want to avoid anything that will add more fizz

 

[bonny]

Shame he’s been clipped when he’s poor and unridden, not helpful I know as is my suggestion of finding better grazing. This time of year that’s what he needs if you can find it.

 

[Follysmum]

Linseed is great

 

[oakleyyy]

Linseed is great

Any specific one you'd recommend? And how much would you say to feed?

 

[Follysmum]

I use Charnwood micronised linseed
For my really old ones They have a good mug in summer and 2 in winter .

You could always start with a small amount and work up to a mug.

I have found with one of mine a small half mug is enough when he drops off during the winter months before the grass comes through.

 

[New Forests Rock]

I'm another who swears by Charnwood micronised linseed. Not only for oldies but for 4/5 yo NF - adds protein and highly digestible oils without any fizziness and makes coats shine as a bonus. A much easier way to feed linseed than having to boil it up in a large pan (which always boiled over ).

ETA In the bad old days (then mix into and feed as a bran mash)

 

[Follysmum]

I'm another who swears by Charnwood micronised linseed. Not only for oldies but for 4/5 yo NF - adds protein and highly digestible oils without any fizziness and makes coats shine as a bonus. A much easier way to feed linseed than having to boil it up in a large pan (which always boiled over ).

ETA In the bad old days (then mix into and feed as a bran mash)

Omg I remember my mum making me watch the pot so it didn’t boil over , this was 56 yrs ago when i was 4yrs old .

It looked gross

 

[New Forests Rock]

Yes, like boiling frog spawn and the smell when it DID boil over

 

[Squeak]

Omega Rice is absolutely brilliant and I've found more effective than micronised linseed for mine.

 

[oakleyyy]

Omega Rice is absolutely brilliant and I've found more effective than micronised linseed for mine.

What were the main differences you noticed between using the two?

 

[Carrottom]

I would add a balancer designed for a forage based diet, like forageplus, and half a cup of linseed in each of 2 feeds a day.

 

[Milliechaz]

As others suggest linseed is great but I have mine on Allen & Page Care & Gain and he looks great on it.