----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2001 1:32
PM
Subject: Re: Re: nutrition for 2 yr
old
Well, I started when she was about 6
months....very short, mostly her loose, following a mare I rode, 20 minutes or
so. I have ponied her, and hand walked, but also feel that running loose
is very, very important in their developing self-confidence and learning where
and where not to step! If you cross a creek, and the baby is loose, they
have to make the decision on their own, where exactly to cross.....and how to
do it. Watching mine run loose, I have seen her make some mistakes, and
learn from them. If they are always ponied close next to another horse,
they just don't have to "think." But, I do have safe places to do
it! Keep me posted on your two and a half year old...that is the age of
my baby and it will be fun to compare notes!
I have had a light saddle on mine. She has had
all sorts of strange things tied to the saddle, and it not the least bit
concerned!
Karen
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, September 16, 2001 7:09
AM
Subject: Re: Re: nutrition for 2 yr
old
Karen,
Thankyou for your post. How old was your
filly when you began the exercise program? Did you pony her or hand
walk? I hand walk Mariah, who is 16 mos now, 3 xs a week and pony her
brother, 2 1/2 yrs, now. He is big and ends up ponying
us!
Beth Gunn
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2001
11:10 PM
Subject: RC: Re: nutrition for 2 yr
old
I had gone to my vet with this question when
I bought a weanling filly...who is now two and a half. Basics
include good quality hay (not alfalfa) and fresh water. I
supplemented with a good foal pellet for the first year or so pretty
consistently...but have gotten somewhat lazy lately. I feel with a mix of
good grass hay, oat hay, pasture grass and weeds and limited alfalfa; we
are covering all the bases. With mine currently at 15.1, I feel most
of her active growing is done...she is half ARab, half QH....
Exercise is important! I started mine
out on very short outings 20 minutes or so, and the first year worked up
to no more than an hour, but adding some small hills and rough
terrain. My vet encouraged me to do this every day, (which is
impossible), but I try to get her out at least 3-4 times a week.
Rest of time she has about a 6 acre flat pasture with the other
horses.
While I am going to keep getting her out, and
she has been on two hour low-key rides, and I think that is
pleanty!
Karen
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2001
7:34 AM
Subject: RC: nutrition for 2 yr
old
Karen,
I will be reading inputs. I, too,
have new 16 month old filly, and 2yr 4 mo. gelding. Very
interested in feeding and exercising correctly for best potential as
endurance buddies!!:))
Beth
Gunn