What to feed lovely new slow coach???

[LizzieRC1313]

Hi there, just wanted some feeding advice.
Just got a new 6 year old 3/4 TB 1/4 ID. He has very little muscle and needs to put on some serious condition! He is also the most laid back, relaxed boy (or so he seems to be - touching wood frantically!) he tends to walk at about 0.001 mph everywhere! Which suits us fine as we bought him as a safe but capable horse to do a bit of everything with.

He is currently being fed a scoop of alpha-A oil and some pasture nuts twice a day, which is similar to what to he was on at his previous home where he wasn't in very much work. He is in a field with good grass overnight and is in all day. He will be in work 5-6x a week (schooling, hacking, show jump lessons, fun rides, XC schooling) We are booked in to adult camp in September and I'd like to have him in good condition by then.

We'd like something with a bit of energy in it, to add condition but not too much weight.
So what should I feed him? How much? How often?

I don't have a clue so tell me all!!

 

[onemoretime]

I have a young (just turned 5) horse who is laid back and we are feeding him 1/2lb Top Chop Lite (Topspec) 200grams TS Comprehensive Balancer and 1/2 lb TS Cool Condition nuts and he is looking well on this and his energy levels have improved although he is only young and therefore lacks the stamina of an older horse. Have a look at the Tops Spec range I find their feeds very good.

 

[LizzieRC1313]

I have a young (just turned 5) horse who is laid back and we are feeding him 1/2lb Top Chop Lite (Topspec) 200grams TS Comprehensive Balancer and 1/2 lb TS Cool Condition nuts and he is looking well on this and his energy levels have improved although he is only young and therefore lacks the stamina of an older horse. Have a look at the Tops Spec range I find their feeds very good.

Thank you for your reply, I'm going to look at feeding just some alpha-A oil with a balancer. I'll add some condition nuts if I feel the need. Also considering feeding micronised linseed in winter as everyone seems to rave about that on here!

 

[Tnavas]

I would leave him out 27/7 with no extra feed for at least 3 months while you get to know each other.

Increase his work load to improve his fitness to include some steady trotting as this is what will help get him fit.

His topline will come with work and overall he will look better when he's put on some condition.

Once you have developed some form of partnership then you might start adding something extra to perk him up if he needs it - you may find as he gets fitter he will get sharper.