Is it normal for a young horse's body condition to fluctuate as they hit growth spurts?
Our 4 year old gelding is looking lanky, but I swear he's taller every time I look at him. He has sort of an awkward teenager look going, especially around his hips and hind legs, and a touch about his ribs. He's a grade Hackney or Hackney cross (so I was told, got him for personality not breed).
If that's not normal, what would you recommend adding to his diet?
He's pasture-kept and we put out hay that's shared between all of the horses and goats, so I can't really say for sure how much he's getting other than it's as much as he wants.
Work wise, he's not currently being ridden. Just easing him back into some groundwork after about 6-8 months as a lawn ornament with the previous owner and over the winter.
Our 4 year old gelding is looking lanky, but I swear he's taller every time I look at him. He has sort of an awkward teenager look going, especially around his hips and hind legs, and a touch about his ribs. He's a grade Hackney or Hackney cross (so I was told, got him for personality not breed).
If that's not normal, what would you recommend adding to his diet?
He's pasture-kept and we put out hay that's shared between all of the horses and goats, so I can't really say for sure how much he's getting other than it's as much as he wants.
Work wise, he's not currently being ridden. Just easing him back into some groundwork after about 6-8 months as a lawn ornament with the previous owner and over the winter.