What feed should my cob be on?

[turbocobbies]

hi, I have a little cob. He’s 13.2 and he’s a good doer. At the minute I’ve found him very lazy and not wanting to move. He is in consistent work and has had nearly a month off. When I got back in there was no difference. He won’t even canter, I don’t understand why so I want to try him in some feed however I don’t want him to be spooky or crazy galloping around and broncing.

his current diet includes:
Grass 8am-2.30pm, however if I’m riding him it’ll be about 8am-12.20pm
He has a stuffed bag of hay for the day time when he’s in and at 4pm he gets another big stuffed bag of hay to get him through the night.

if you don’t think he should be on feed please give me other tips. On the other hand, if you do think he should be on feed. What do you recommend? TIA x

 

[Littlewills]

test him for PSSM. Its really common in cobby types sadly

 

[Red-1]

Can you see the outline of the last couple of ribs? I would say that it is better to with a cob as they tend to be overweight.

Is the cob fit enough for the work, as in built up to it? Does he have a clean bill of health, teeth, back, saddle, feet etc? Any skin issues on his legs?

If everything else is good, I would attend to his training, get a trainer who knows how to motivate a cob. They can transform in just one session, once they realise it is easiest to do that. It is about setting a standard of performance that is required and do whatever is required to get that. Then, once you have it, sit still and allow the horse to continue. But, as soon as his performance dips, do whatever you have to for it to be as required again, then sit quiet.

Many people don't do this and end up kick kick kicking as they never do get to what is required so never do sit quietly.

Unless the horse is malnourished, I have never found changing the feed to be effective in improving schooling.

 

[Arzada]

Is he the same wherever you ride him? Hacking? Arena schooling? With company? Alone?

 

[windand rain]

My first thought on this if he is too fat so cannot sustain work easily. Second is if he is too fat is he in pain from lowgrade laminitis. Thirdly is his fitness and training level where it should be and are you sure his saddle fits him and just as importantly you

 

[Nudibranch]

I'd try something basic like grass nuts or unmolassed beet with a balancer like Pro Balance plus, couple of tablespoons of salt and a handful of micronised linseed.
However I wouldn't expect it to make much difference - that's purely to give the things which can be missing from hay and winter grass.
I'd get him out hacking and find some good canter spots. Once he realises it's an option you may well find him more forward.
I would also want to be absolutely sure of saddle fit, teeth and to rule out slight lameness. Many people can't spot it. You don't mention his age but he has a lot of time stabled which can make slight arthritis worse. He may not be very fit standing in a lot either. Finally check for Cushing's and PSSM if those potential problems are definitely ruled out.