Feeding the showhorse/improving muscle tone with feed? (Pics included)

I had noticed the changes in Ronan back in November, but was hesitant to say anything. I'm glad you picked up on it and trying to correct it.

Working with our trainer and the horses at the barn, I really don't think(in my opinion!), that it's a feeding issue. Feeding complimentary meals is never a bad idea, and it is you will find out quickly to correct it. If you're riding him correctly(not saying you are not!) 5 days a week, he should (like you said) be getting more muscle than he is. Inappropriate feeding or lacking of certain nutrients, would reflect with more signs that the way he looks right now.

I think you would benefit more from working more closely with our trainer and getting help that way, to try to modify what you're doing with him.

A athlete on protein shakes will gain nothing unless they have the proper gym program to go with it. Same pertains to this.

Good luck!

First off, I second that while yes he needs a good protein diet, and proper work out is really important, but you already know that.

So, if I were you, I would feed him a really good grain, do lots of riding work on building top line (rounding out etc) and check for ulcers as well. His dull coat and lack of energy make me think ulcers. How is his appetite?

I would cut complete feed. I use to use that as well. You will get more bang for your buck with Hoffmans Minerals. If your hay is lacking in anything the minerals/vitamins will cover it.

I think our BO has good hay and really have no worries there. I know she was a bit concerned with the last shipment from a different supplier but its far from poor quality! I am very happy she's so willing to work with me to get Ronan into the best shape possible. I'm just a bit concerned at the lack of muscle with a 5-day a week program and the lack of brilliance to his coat and personality. It makes me think that something is lacking, something more than steady work. I want to get to the bottom of it, he's my horse and my responsibility, and I want him to radiate health.
I'm grain-dumb, hence all the questions.
I do agree that proper work is the only way to a better overall muscle, HOWEVER, my gut feeling is that there's something deeper here. You cannot build muscle properly if the proper proteins, amino acids, etc are lacking.
I was anemic a while back - no matter how much sleep I got, or how I adjusted my exercise schedule/balanced activities, I was exhausted. Got my iron up and it was night and day different.
I appreciate all the input! My BO started him on grain today and is very willing to help he to the bottom of this. I will be doing a ton of research to find the best feeding program to compliment the training program he is and will be on.
As for hay - my BO gets good quality hay, but that's all I know. I have no clue about percentages of protein etc. all I know is that I rely on her expertise. He gets fed a ton of hay each feeding and cleans it up. For any other horse it would be free-choice haha. THAT'S what concerns me - that he's eating so much good hay, and looking so... Yeah.
As far as ulcers - great point. Will look into it!
I'm excited to see the changes hopefully sooner rather than later.

Tiff, by the way, you're a doll - thank you a ton!! He's got a ravenous appetite all the time.