My horse has never really been big, now you can see his ribs a teeny bit and can feel his shoulder bones. He is getting close to 23 years old. I am not sure the best way to put weight on him! Help!
24 hour access to good quality hay
Worming up to date
Teeth checked and floated if needed.
Vet check for any conditions that need treating.
If all the above boxes ticked then start supplementing hay with a good quality senior diet, and probably adding a source of fat to the diet, Oil, oil seeds, work well.
Quantities etc to suit individual needs.
Oh yes good shelter, as well, the older we get the harder it is to keep warm, ask me how I know
I used Purina Equine Senior, then top dressed grass hay with alfalfa. Along with floating teeth, and, when turned out, free choice grass hay in the manger in the shelter and kept "Corporal", Arabian (1982-2009, RIP) who had ALWAYS been a hard keeper, in good weight his last years.
Welcome to the Forum!
What helped my old guy gain weight was a good senior feed (he's on Seminole Wellness Senior) and alfalfa. Weight supplements and such help, but get the basics covered health-wise, making sure no worms, teeth problems, etc. Good luck!
Also, since you guys are replying to this post.. Can you check out these lumps on his nose? Not sure what they are or what to do about them! They arent hurting him nut idk what they are!
A friend of mine had one with similar lumps on his nose years ago now...His nose had been broken by a hackamore. Can't imagine how but she said he came from out west that way and that is what she was told by the ranch she bought him from.
Is he with other horses? Is he being bullied off his feed?
Oh he isn't being bullied off his feed, if anyone is bullying it would be him! Would having a nylon halter make those lumps appear? I want the vet to check them out but the halter is the only thing I can think of!
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