would you be feeding this horse concentrates?

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pancoga

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i have moved my horse and his regime has completely changed and not sure if i should be feeding him hard feed or not and really just need some advise.

Old regime:
stabled, turnout 6hrs approx daily
hard feed: 1/2 scoop pasture mix & 1/2 alfalfa (am and pm)
workload: worked 5-6times a week, schooling, jumping, hacking, lungeing

New regime:
Lives out 24/7 on good pasture
no hard feed at present (did cut it down slowly)
workload: worked 5 times a week same as above probs at a slightly lower intensity.

i have noticed he is not as sharp to ride since coming off the hard feed (which is not a bad thing as i find him a lot easier when under saddle) he has also not lost any condition and is a good doer (wouldnt live on fresh air but does reasonably well), i am just worried about his energy levels and whether he may need something extra in his diet.
CC much appreciated if you would feed this horse with his workload and if so what?

thank you in advance, chocolate cake for all:D
 
I'd see how he goes, maybe just get a a balancer for the minute?
Slightest sign of him dropping off then I'd add the feed again.

What type is he? :)
 
he is a 7yr old, ISH.
do balaners provide extra energy and weight gain or they are more for providing essential vits and minerals? sorry for the simple questions not really had much to do with feeding balancers before:o
 
My vet always says feed for what you've done not what you might do, so perhaps on the days you ride feed him and not on the others, couple of carrots instead
 
There's more than enough energy in grass, esp at this time of the year.
Fwiw, my mare events to intermediate level on grass 24/7, she doesnt get a single pony nut extra!
 
In one word. NO.

You've seen an improvement in his temperament sinec you dropped it. (I suspect it was the mix causing it) If you are worried about energy levels perhaps a small amount of alfa a will help but shouldn't cause too much fizz. maybe get a sample off dengie.
 
One of the most important rules of feeding is to feed according to the horses condition. Energy is essentially calories, if your horse is in good condition and holding his weight then he does not need any more calories adding. If you feel you need extra 'sparkle' then add a vit/min supplement to make sure he is getting all the nutrition he needs. Sometimes adding a small amount of high energy feed or oats can help, but is rarely needed I find, grass usually has more than enough in it at this time of year.
 
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