So the equine dentist told me something interesting today...

I've had Hunter now for going on 5 years, and I was told when I bought him that he was 14. I've had his teeth floated before and never gotten any comment on his age, but the dentist today showed me what he believed to be signs of wear of a ~24-5 year old horse... So if he really is 24 or so, this explains a lot: has become a harder keeper in the last 2 years or so, has what looks like the beginning stages of Cushings, and arthritis.

I am currently feeding him a mix of Triple Crown Senior and a 'local' (few hours away) made feed. Total he gets ~5.5lbs of feed 2x a day. This local feed is no longer being stocked at our supplier in town. The barn has switched to Triple Crown Low Starch. I'd love some opinions on what to do with Hunter's feed. I'd started another thread where it was suggested I keep him on TC Sr, but now with the information that he is more likely to be 6 years older than I'd thought, I'd love some more input!

When it comes to supplements, he is on Cool Calories 100, MSM, Chaste tree powder, and he gets a Pentosan shot monthly for the arthritis.



I am trying to upload pics to show his weight but the laptop is being slow so I'll try to post a reply in a few mins with them attached!

Wow, That is some interesting news. I don't know how I would take it.

How much does your horse weigh ?
Horses need 1.5 to 2% Of their body weight per day, so if he is 1000 pound he needs 15 pounds of food per day.
I have found that soaked beet pulp is great for putting weight on horses.

Picture 1: January 2011
Picture 2: March 2011
Picture 3: August 2011
Picture 4: February 2012
Picture 5: April 2012
Picture 6: August 2012
Picture 7: today



Also forgot to mention in the OP, since I believe August he has been getting alfalfa anywhere from 2-5x a week, depending on when I feel like spoiling him ;) I think this has made a big difference in his weight, as well, and he has gotten a little bit of energy from it- which he needs!

I know... My boyfriend said it means less time with him.
I think it means he's in GREAT shape for his age and I'm hoping I can have many more years with him, although possibly less than I'd originally thought..

Currently I'm not trying to get him to gain any weight, just maintain what he's put on recently from alfalfa.

My main concern is keeping him on solely a sweet feed so I'd like some thoughts on the TC Sr versus other foods that are out there

I would feed him mainly roughage if you can, (grass hay) , cubes, pasture and supplement with a senior ration. The majority of his food should be roughage in order for his gut to work properly.

We also have round bales currently so he does have 24/7 access to both hay and some grass (although its not amazing right now)

What are any pros or cons to feeding solely a sweet feed over any other feed? This is one thing that I am not familiar enough with!

Sr feed is designed for older horses less efficient digestion. It does have molasses in it to keep it palatable but it's hardly a 'sweet feed' which is mostly junk. Kind of the difference between feeding a healthy sweetened granola vs feeding Cap'n Crunch. I would leave him on 24/7 grass hay, keep the Sr and I'd feed a flake or 2 of alfalfa every day until he's the ideal weight. With winter coming on, I especially like my older horses to be well padded.