what do I need to know about . . .

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Spotsrock

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Windsucking? I fell for a horse I worked with this summer and his owner has just contacted me to offer him to me. I am over the moon! I've sorted out my stabling issues, with some help. I'm on crutches for next couple weeks but he can stay where he is for that long.

Only thing I haven't covered is that he windsucks when he's fed. Currently bedded on shavings and on very high protein diet stabled most of the time. I'd prefer him out more and more hay less feed. Any advice regarding his habit would be good as I understand it can indicate health issues not boredom. Thank you. :-)
 
It cam indicate ulcers. Try to keep fibre trickling through at all times. I found yea sac helped my tb mare as it helped her gut. I find when they get in a routine and they are happy with it and their tummies feel good the amount they windsuck reduces.
 
I would scope for ulcers, and treat if neccasary. Neighlox is great in the feed to help minimise acid, or bicarbonate of soda is used too! We have one who widsucks badly, he had chronic ulcers, and is better now they are gone, but he lives in a post and electric fence field 24/7, so only has the odd post and a few trees to grab!
we used to feed several different types of forage as recomended by vet, who also said to feed hay in preference to haylage, although this isn't practical for us, and when he was stabled, he had a bucket of chaff and readi grass type product at night.
It doesn't really cause us any probs though
 
As the others have said, it may be ulcer related, so have your vet investigate him.

His current lifestyle sounds like it does not suit him, so your plan of much more turnout could stop it. Also review the feed (does he really need something so high in protein?), and make sure that when he's in, forage rather than hard feed (unless there is a reason for the hard feed).

Hope it all goes well :)
 
Thanks. He's an in training racehorse at moment hence high protein diet. He'll be roughed off now and come home as soon as I get off my crutches. I am so excited. This little horse really got to me and soon he-just be coming home!
 
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