Topline and conditioning

[[142807]]

What are the best straights to feed a thin ex racer for improved condition and topline? The horse is not in work at present and is 14 years of age.

 

[AdorableAlice]

Top quality oats, sugar beet, linseed and good grass is the old fashioned way of feeding a poor horse and a hard working horse.

 

[[142807]]

Top quality oats, sugar beet, linseed and good grass is the old fashioned way of feeding a poor horse and a hard working horse.

Thank you for the reply, can the oats be fed as is or is there some form of preparation? Also protein levels is there enough in the above straights as everyone is going on about soymeal at the moment.

 

[HorsesRule2009]

I fed all my hunters for past few years on fiberbeet, conditioning cubes, micronised linseed and boiled barely. And adjusted the amounts if needed.
I only added the barley about December time.
Everyone held weight and condition very well and had plenty of energy.

 

[Kat]

To build top line you need work as top line is muscle so it is all about the training.

Have a look at the BungeeBand by performance veterinary physiotherapy to help him learn to use himself correctly on the lunge and ridden.

You should be careful increasing the feed at this time of year as TBs can get laminitis too. I would try adding micronised linseed to whatever you are feeding at the moment, it is great for condition, skin, and coat without being heating. Alfalfa is good for protein but be careful to get a molasses free chaff or nut.

 

[ycbm]

At this time of year I'd wait and see of the grass works is usual magic. I wouldn't be ramping up bucket food at the beginning of May.
.