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Horse Behavior and Training

Nutrition

By:

kathymw

Date:

2020-Apr-15 at 02:33AM

Hello,

The vet saw my POA for the first time today and told me that she wouldn't vaccinate or do the chiropractic adjustment because he is nutrient deficient. She wants him better first and will vaccinate in a month. He is only 7 years old. She told me that he didn't have the muscles that he should have. He is boarded at a barn until May 1 when our property will be ready for him. I bought him the end of December and he's been boarded at a barn since then. She said that she doesn't have any preference for products and that we should contact someone who knows about these things. So...I'm asking you. Any suggestions for helping my boy get the nutrients he needs to build up muscle? Thank you!

JoHewittVINTA 2020-Apr-15 at 12:25PM

Hi Kathy. Feed allows muscle to grow but exercise builds muscle. Alfalfa is a high quality feed - but it can be too rich for really 'good doers'. However, in this case, where the horse needs built up, I would introduce it in a chop form ( hard feed bulker ) together with a feed balancer. This is a source of vitamins & minerals in a cube form. That, together with grass, is what my guys get. Introducing new foods should be done gradually so start with a very small feed, a big double handful of chop together with a small double handful of cubes. Add some carrot & a little tepid water ( warm not hot ). Some horses are happy to eat dry food but there's a risk of choking & tepid water reminds them of comforting Mums milk. After 3 days your boys gut will have adapted to this food. Monty uses alfalfa hay but plenty of good quality hay is a must, especially if access to grass is limited.
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I have to say I'm worried that the barn manager has allowed this situation to happen - after more than 3 months in knowledgeable care any horse in poor condition would be sorted out. You also have a trainer who, presumably, was satisfied with the horses condition. Rough rule of thumb - ribs should not be seen but should be felt when running your finger firmly over the horses barrel, front to back. The hip bones should be well covered but not obscured & the neck should be filled - not hollow. In short, my answer to your question is good quality food, little & often, good hay available ad lib when not out on grass & sessions of walking, trotting exercise daily - but not working in tight circles. Take your boy for a walk with short jogs. Any good feed merchant will stock feed balancers. In Britain we have a range of products, for laminitics to elderly horses - like dog/cat food comes in puppy/kitten through to senior. You need a basic product so do not buy a more expensive, specialised one. Hope this helps. Cheers, Jo.

JoHewittVINTA 2020-Apr-16 at 02:07AM

I was out in the field with my guys when thoughts struck me, if your guy is only 7 then his lack of condition could be worm infestation and/or poor tooth maintenance. If he has a high worm infestation then the food is feeding them rather than him - send a sample of new droppings for testing. Worms can damage the gut/intestinal track so it is vital to maintain a good worming programme. Testing to see how many worm eggs are in a horses droppings let's the owner worm efficiently. Teeth need checked at least annually. They wear unevenly - because in the wild horses eat a much more varied diet, much of which is harder than the soft feed we tend to offer. As a result, the teeth get sharp spikes & raised edges which can cause the mouth to be sore and/or inefficient food processing. Hope this is helpful. Keep us posted & let us know if you need more help. Cheers, Jo.