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Energize

712 views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  Yogiwick 
#1 ·
So my 3 1/2 yr old gelding is doing very well with training. I sort cattle with him for fun. He's a very nice, gentle gelding and he moves very well but not huge energy by any means. I've never fed anything other than straight grass as in the past, I've had mostly high energy horses. I don't want him getting hot, but what could I give him say the morning of or day prior to sorting to give him a good boost without hurting or making him crazy? BCR
 
#2 ·
All he needs is a good balanced diet. The laziness could be training or it could just be him. At 3 1/2 he doesn't need to be doing anything too strenuous so I don't think you're underfeeding as long as his weight is good.

I can't think of anything that would be appropriate for your question...I mean you can give vitamins but if he's getting a good diet which he should be then...

You may just have to learn to work with what you have if it's his personality.
 
#3 ·
Nothing really you can give him the night before kind of thing... that's ethical anyway! But agree with Yogi, I wouldn't be asking much on the back of a 3.5yo anyway, and I would be trying to ensure he gets well balanced nutrition. So if he gets nothing but grass, you might want to look at supping what he's missing, in a low dose 'ration balancer' or such. Ensure he's got all the 'ingredients' right to continue growing strongly. And who knows, that could give him more 'beans' too, if he's 'lazy' because he's lacking something. Zinc & magnesium come to mind...
 
#4 ·
Thank you for the replies. No I go pretty easy on him right now without any force or craziness. I don't want him ending up being a crack head like so many others, pulling, spurring, yanking! His first few runs are much better than last few energy wise. I was thinking of maybe giving him a cpl flakes of alfalfa morning of ?
 
#7 ·
I go pretty easy on him right now without any force or craziness. I don't want him ending up being a crack head like so many others, pulling, spurring, yanking!
That's good too of course, but I - & I think Yogi - were thinking more along the lines of physically riding him, rather than training-wise when we said go easy on him. Especially if you're doing much running, tight moves(like cutting) or long rides on him, I wouldn't ask too much.
 
#5 ·
Hmm, I'm not really sure if I can answer this in a logical way. I think it's kind of a training issue as the colt I bought started out that way as did my husband's latest filly.

I actually really enjoy this personality trait because as you start asking them for more they don't have as much a tendency to get hot about things. My colt, as he got into better shape fitness wise has a ton of stamina, and My husband's filly has gotten more forward since he asks lightly and releases as soon as he gets response. Also as her fitness level increases she has much better stamina. She did take a few waps as a follow up so he could keep his legs light as did my colt and the lack of response ended there.

So I guess that it is depending on your complaint. If the colt isn't responsive then ask light with a back up if needed. Be prepared for a reaction, but that usually fixes the lack of response.

If the problem is a stamina issue it will get better as the colt gets into shape. I wouldn't let it worry me.

Feed wise I give my colt a 1/2 gallon of grain and extra hay as he is saddled, but that's only because I always give a bit of grain unless a horse is particularly hot and I think he could use the extra hay as he's growing and turned out with big horses.
 
#6 ·
Feeding a horse should be the same, day in and day out, not a change of adding extra today then not again for several days and not expect there to be a digestive upset take place... consistency is so important.
You may indeed have a horse with a laid-back personality who is only going to give just so much...no matter what. Personally, I would much rather have the laid-back than the "crazy"...
As for your horse having more energy his first few runs than his last ones...well, that is what I would call fatigue and you might need better conditioning possibly.
You are balancing a fine-line with asking for and getting bursts of energy on a young growing and maturing horse who you say you are taking it easy on...maybe the horse is telling you he is tired and he can't deliver with his usual quicker responses.

Here are articles that talk about protein in foods....
Protein is a very misunderstood word....
Where and how to get it, who needs it and how much and what protein really does in the growing, maturing body of the horse.
What is the best way to achieve adding protein to my horses diet if my horse needs it...
It is not just "I will give this or that and "fix" my problem", but what must be done to balance those physical and nutritional needs safely and effectively for best long-term results.
http://www.admani.com/Horse/Equine%20Library/Horse%20Protein%20in%20Horse%20diets.htm
Horses - protein in the equine diet -horses and ponies on the internet
Protein: An Important Nutrient | My Horse University
The Power of Protein | TheHorse.com

:runninghorse2:
...
jmo...
 
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