Re: Calling Susan!

["Susan Garlinghouse" <suendavid@worldnet.att.net>]

I think there are a couple of things you can try.  I'm assuming you still
don't have beet pulp available in your area, so that's a no go.  If at all
possible, I would try to add as much fat to his ration as possible.  Is
there any kind of chaff feed available that would supply fiber and that
would work to add oil to, so that you can limit his hay?  Rice bran would be
a good feed for this guy, too, if you can get it.  If so, we'll have to
check and make sure the calcium levels are adequate.

Also, you might consider adding a good general purpose vitamin-mineral mix.
Mineral deficiencies have been theorized, though not proven, to exacerbate
flightiness so making sure he's getting enough is a good idea.  Also make
sure that he has adequate salt, as deficiencies can cause poor doers even
when enough calories are present in the diet.

And although it sounds contrary, working him more might be very helpful.  As
energy expenditure increases, the appetite does too and sometimes it's
enough for horses to really start eating what's in their box.  I know,
sounds backwards.  I don't mean wild gallops, but just alot of steady work.

You might also try a panacur purge to rule out any parasites, and try the
usual things like giving him toys or a stallmate (maybe a goat?) to occupy
him more.  Stall walking can be pretty hard to overcome though.

I also wouldn't be surprised if this guy had gastric ulcers, but you would
have to 'scope him to make sure.

Good luck with him.

Susan G
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tracey" <tracey@tbt.co.za>
To: "Ride Camp" <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Monday, January 07, 2002 7:40 AM
Subject: RC: Calling Susan!


Hi, all and happy New Year.  Not long into it and already I have a feeding
question (go figure).

One of the horses in our yard, a big (16.3 hh) TB has problems putting on
weight.  He's in very light work, and out all day in a herd.  Our grazing is
not brilliant nutrients-wise, but just green and sweet enough to mean that
the horses aren't interested in the hay nets, so supplementing his grazing
with hay doesn't work in the field.  We also can't find any alfalfa, but are
looking.

The biggest problem with Doofleberry is that he box walks, and doesn't
finish the hay net we put in his stable.  He's a highly-strung horse, and
I've put him onto a herbal calmer (which has had an affect on his behaviour
under-saddle but I have yet to see him tone down in the stable).  Leaving
him out won't really help to put weight on him because then he won't eat
hay, but will pick at the grazing.

I've started giving him sunflower oil in his feed, and supercodlivine.  He
was on a stack of grain at his old yard, about 5 kgs per day, plus bran,
even though he only worked twice a week, but was never a great doer.  He's
just had his wolf teeth removed, and is now on top quality hay, but just
doesn't finish it.  I've cut his grain down to about 1,5 kgs per day, in the
hope that it may stop the box-walking.

Am I doing the right thing?  Should I feed more grain and just work him
more?

Tracey