Should I be feeding something to get energy levels up?

[tashcat]

I have a 22-26 (recently discovered he could be a few years older than first expected!) pony.

As far as I am aware he seems like a healthy, happy chap.

He moved homes less than a month ago to a busier yard, and he seems to have settled in pretty well: he is rather unaffected by the hustle and bustle!

When riding I have noticed he is not overly energetic - however he has not been for a while now. He is often a cheeky boy - refusing to get properly going until he's had a good canter or jump. On hacks he can also be quite nappy until he gets either a good trot/canter or is at least half the way around! I know this is not necessarily a feeding issue and needs work from me, which is happening!

However in general he is not as enthusiastic as he could be, but it is possible he is just slowing down a bit. (Although he still loves a good canter and jump, and he is usually quite spooky and alert which seems like good signs).

What I am unsure about is if I need to feed him anything to give him a little extra energy. He currently eats calm and condition and mollichaff herbal, and I usually sprinkle a few pony nuts in too.

What do you think?

 

[Peregrine Falcon]

I think I would be inclined to a vet out to check bloods and do a general MOT is he hasn't had one for a while. That would rule out anything that was causing lethargy.

My 21yo NF has always been a laid back character (I've had him 20yrs) and unless he is really fit he'll quite happily plod about! You could try Kossolian blood salts as a pick me up. I give Benji these in the autumn as he tends to go a bit "flat" when his coat changes.

 

[Pinkvboots]

Could be cushings that can make them lethargic.

 

[NZJenny]

Coudl just be old age! We all slow down a bit as we get older and it sounds like he does really well for his age. Maybe just cut him some slack.

 

[tashcat]

Coudl just be old age! We all slow down a bit as we get older and it sounds like he does really well for his age. Maybe just cut him some slack.

Thank you, I think this is probably the best way to take it! I'm not a super speedy rider myself anyway, and I'd rather ride him as he is than push him.

Snow Falcon and Pinkvboots - he had his blood taken in October (different reason) which came back clear, and no cushings). Vet seemed relatively happy with him (although he had been called out in the first place for a problem, and it was resolved).

He has his vacs next month, and with it he gets teeth, worm egg count and a general check up, so I'll speak to the vet then just to be sure.

Thanks everyone for your help.