feeding a 2year old rescue

I just rescued a 2year old paint horse. She is some what amceiated(sp). Ie hip bones sticking out, glint of her ribs, narrow chest. I will up load pics when I am able. The vet said that she looked good considering the circumstasnces. She was beaten up on the pasture with a heard of tbs. She is not a dominate mare. I forgot to ask the vet what to feed her. But I would like your opions also. I have her on sweet feed 18% diluted with rolled oats. About 3/4 oats amd 1/4 sweet. She does not like grass hay, however she loves her alphalfa. She is getting fed am and pm and loving every minute of feeding time. I have already wormed her with ivermectin paste about a week ago and no problems thus far. She is very laid back, that could be from her not ever been fed. Smart horse all in all. Does not set back or pull on you. Respectful towards people. So with all of that tell me what you think.

Good for you! I think its wonderful you're taking on a rescue. I personally hate sweet feed. With the passion of a thousand fiery suns (mostly because I prefer my horses to eat a more natural diet). I just feed bran and oats. Horses are grazing animals. I'm willing to bet that although she doesn't really like grass hay, if you scatter it around her pen it will eventually be gone. She may have only been feed alfalfa before, and it really does taste better. But I've never known a horse let perfectly good grass hay go to waste. They all eat it, if a little slower than the yummy alfalfa. So, I would pile on the grass. Also, one of the quickest feeds to put on weight is Equine Senior. I'm pretty sure it is fine to feed to a 2 yo, but I would double check. Senior is a complete feed, and puts weight on like a charm. I was giving it to Scout (7 yo ottb) to fatten him up for winter. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm not sure exactly what hard feeds she should get, but certainly she should get something even if it is just temporary until she puts on some weight. Perhaps ask at your local feed store - they often have a good knowledge of such matters. Even trying some ready made pelleted mix may be good as it will be well balanced nutritionally.

Definitely give her full-time access to good quality roughage - sometimes its amazing how much weight this can help them to gain.

MY gelding was skin and bones when I Got him. He was in a similar situation as your mare. He was about 200 lbs under weight. I don't remember the grain we were giving, but it wasn't a lot. I moved him to a new place a month after we got him. I put him on really great grass
Hay about 4-5 flakes a day some am, some PM. And whole oats PM with a scoop of vitamins. He has put on weight and is lovely. Its been 11 months now. Because of her history, its best not to put a bunch of weight on her too fast as she is still growing. Her attitude will change also once she starts feeling better. Good luck!

Ok without knowing WHERE You are it is kinda hard for me

Look for TC30% supplement
Enrich32 Purina
Horsego32 by Kent
Progressive Pro Advantage Grass Formula

Keep hay in front of her 24/7
Start her on 1/2 lb of any of the above and about 1/2 lb of beet pulp... build upto 2lbs of the Ration balancerr and about 4 lbs of beet pulp

What we did for star was also add a cup of corn oil to his feed

Thanks everyonr for your input. Peggy sue im located in mississippi. I hate sweet feed also. That's why I wanted to know what else I could feed her. My friend works at my vet's office and ahe is coming over tomorrow to come and see her and tell me what she thinks. I can't believe that after only three days of feeding her spirits are lifted. Funny what happens when you feed a starved horse. She perks up when she sees humans. She is also begining to reconize my voice. She is learning better manners everyday and becoming very respectful. She is so curious of sights and new smells that she has encountered in a barn. I have fallen in love with her. If by any chance I can get her registered I will name her "She's My Kinda Rayne" Rayne for short. Thanks again everyone. I am always intrested in input.

If you PM me your zip I might be able to find a good ration balancer in your area which will boost her nutrition without all the sugars and starches of a "regular" feed... they are expensive to buy but not to feed since most horses do great on 1lb per day and free choice hay

Purina and others have "junior" feeds that are fortified with the nutrients/minerals that she'll need. Although oats, barley, etc. are good, this girl needs vitamins to help her pick up that weight ;)

Also, make sure she's drinking LOTS of water - - that'll help a lot, too :)

Actually oats, and barley have high sugar and starch content which is NOT good for MOST horses, there are ones every now nad then that NEED the extra energy to preform their jobs but most daily horses dont' need it at all ...