Tips needed for bringing up a 2 year old WB

[laurabaker]

Hi im in the process of buying a WB 2 year old Gelding.

I have totally fallen in love with him because he is such a little gent and I can see he is going to turn into a stunning Horse!

Thought I would come on here and pick your brains for tips on the best way to bring him up!

He is living out at the moment but has previously been stabled. He has grown quite a coat as he was out in the Snow but that is now shedding.

Any tips on feeding him as I dont want to bulk him up too much and put strain on his joints but saying that he is a bit ribby.

I have never had any of my Horses living out before so feel a bit rusty but he seems to enjoy it at the moment.

Sorry for all the questions but I want to get this totally right .

Also one last question, taking into consideration that he has lived out for a year what do you think I should put on him at night at the moment?

Thanks for reading, you deserve a cuppa!!

 

[soulfull]

Personally I would get advice from a feed manufacturer on what to feed as the last thing you need is to over feed or give him the wrong thing and him ending up with an unnatural growth spurt as this could cause serious joint problems later on

AS for in or out, if he is used to being out then I would leave him out, the weather is fine and it will do him more good both physically and mentally

Remember with you handling that horses are always learning even when we are not teaching, ie even when you are distracted talking to friends and miss something, he will think he has got away with it.
Also the best thing with youngsters is to always be consistent and quiet around them.
You want to produce a nice quiet sensitive young horse and so you treat them that way.
Always be fair too

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

be firm and fair. accept NO bad manners in any circumstances, and get him to respect your space. if things go pear shaped repeat until he does what you want. slow growing is best for big horses so a base diet and good grass. regular worming and farrier, teeth as req but at least once a year. be confident and assertive. dont feed by hand. enjoy himn if you get him, and never be afraid to ask for professional help. he wont mature in size or shape til he is at least 5 but that doesnt mean he cant have manners and be ameniable. good luck.