Tb looking ribby

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Emshottonxx

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Hi my 5 year old tb who has been out of racing 2 years now always looks slightly ribby. This is usually when he is on the move you see a flash of ribs, standing they arent noticeable. He is fed twice a day all year round, has decent quality hay all year round- hayledge in winter. Does not go on lush grass in summer as it blows his mind but has access to hay through the day throughout summer. I don’t believe he looks under weight, he is slowly developing muscle and top line and has a long way to go but he is still only young. but I can’t help but be worried when I see ribs. I am a first time thoroughbred owner who is used to fat cobs so really struggling with this. If I attach a pic could people let me know their thoughts- pic from this weekend of showing. Thanks
 

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Emshottonxx said:
Hi my 5 year old tb who has been out of racing 2 years now always looks slightly ribby. This is usually when he is on the move you see a flash of ribs, standing they aren't noticeable. He is fed twice a day all year round, has decent quality hay all year round- hayledge in winter. Does not go on lush grass in summer as it blows his mind but has access to hay through the day throughout summer. I don’t believe he looks under weight, he is slowly developing muscle and top line and has a long way to go but he is still only young. but I can’t help but be worried when I see ribs. I am a first time thoroughbred owner who is used to fat cobs so really struggling with this. If I attach a pic could people let me know their thoughts- pic from this weekend of showing. Thanks
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Not ribby. Looks spot on to me.
 
Looks good. You might find he looks a bit light next to some other show x-racehorses so don’t rely on comparing him with them. They aren’t necessarily fat but perhaps more mature or naturally heavier horses. Looks like you are doing a very good job.
 
Emshottonxx said:
I think my problem is comparing to other heavy set stamps/ more mature horses like humblepie says and that fact I worry about every single little thing! Thank you everyone just needed that reassurance!
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I have a picture from one of the big ROR qualifiers of my little relatively light weight flat horse next to a National Hunt hunter type. Mine looks like My Little Pony. 😁
 
Your horse looks in superb condition. Seeing ribs like that is good.
My sister's mare who is always on a diet being a horrendously good doer and laminitic, always has ribs showing despite being fat, you certainly wouldn't want hers covered.
 
Emshottonxx said:
Hi my 5 year old tb who has been out of racing 2 years now always looks slightly ribby. This is usually when he is on the move you see a flash of ribs, standing they arent noticeable. He is fed twice a day all year round, has decent quality hay all year round- hayledge in winter. Does not go on lush grass in summer as it blows his mind but has access to hay through the day throughout summer. I don’t believe he looks under weight, he is slowly developing muscle and top line and has a long way to go but he is still only young. but I can’t help but be worried when I see ribs. I am a first time thoroughbred owner who is used to fat cobs so really struggling with this. If I attach a pic could people let me know their thoughts- pic from this weekend of showing. Thanks
Click to expand...
How refreshing to see a horse in a show ring that’s not overweight! He looks lovely 🥰
 
He looks great, a properly smart boy.

I do get your worries though. I have an ISH, who I struggled to keep weight on over the winter, having only had him since November. I’m pretty obsessed with how “ribby” he looks, although I now realise that’s his normal, because he’s now put on weight and muscle and I can still see his ribs.
 
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