Youngster cob feed?

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Maz AJ

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Hi I have just bought a 4.5 yo cob. He was backed last year in the autumn. Currently he’s a good doer on just grass and hay at his dealers yard. However as I gradually build up his work and education when he comes to me I know he will need something to help him as he’s not fully grown and will be developing condition and muscle (I am a first time owner) what would people suggest to feed him, I know he won’t need much but want to make sure he’s getting what he needs.
 
Low cal balancer and ad lib good hay . Teeth done regular worming . Stand no nonsense, fair but firm, but not harsh or in anger . And ENJOY YOUR HORSE!
 
Maz AJ said:
Hi I have just bought a 4.5 yo cob. He was backed last year in the autumn. Currently he’s a good doer on just grass and hay at his dealers yard. However as I gradually build up his work and education when he comes to me I know he will need something to help him as he’s not fully grown and will be developing condition and muscle (I am a first time owner) what would people suggest to feed him, I know he won’t need much but want to make sure he’s getting what he needs.
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Hi, congratulations on getting your first horse.
I'd say feeding is the least important thing to be worrying about to be honest. As has been said above, just a balancer maybe plus a few nuts as a treat.
The main thing is that he's allowed to grow slowly and build up gradually. Do loads of in-hand work with him and walking up & down hills, then get a good saddle fitter to him before you think of getting on. It's a hare and tortoise situation !
Good luck. :)
 
Is your cob barefoot or shod? If he's barefoot, please do some reading on recommended feeds. I fed my horse lo cal balancer for years until a friend kindly pointed me to the ingredients... I now feed a mineral balancer that's not stuffed with alfalfa, wheat feed and soya.
Keep it simple, feeding is a minefield and there are lots of clever marketing ploys!
 
I'd keep.him on the same as the dealers yard has him on as it is obviously working for him. As you increase his work load the grass will be coming through so he'll get more energy/calories from their. If you feel he needs more energy later on then look at it then. For now, enjoy your new horse and don't over think things.

Oh and new horses always require photos on HHO. It's mandatory! 😉
 
I fed mine on Pure Easy, along with hay and 24/7 turnout. He only gets one feed a day even now - still Pure Easy, but with linseed, Vit E and ALCAR added for the PSSM.
 
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