Teddy is one of those horses that's hard to put weight on. He's doing a little better this year, maybe because of his dental work or maybe because I've been on top of it more, but still has hollows behind his shoulders where there should be topline. Not terrible, but I would like to develop it. I'm doing riding to help that, but I also want to look at supplementation, because he's just a guy who needs extra, in my experience.
I gave him the Smartpak muscle builder last year, and it helped, but it was super expensive. I know, I know, "You get what you pay for," but sometimes I think that with Smartpak you DON'T quite get what you pay for, y'know? Does anyone have a supplement or feed they've found to be helpful, that wasn't super pricey? I will re-order the Smartpak if I don't have any other option, but I'm wondering if there is something else out there that would work for him.
There are times when injury and atrophy have progressed to the point that regaining what is lost is not going to happen. Look for the limiting amino acids as those are what typically need addressed to build muscle. Many of the feeds list the main three with amounts. There are other supplements not so expensive to insure he is getting them and work in the right intensity and form. Well fitting tack. You pay enough attention and put the time in that likely you may have reached where he will get with not much further building.
I can say with PSSM horses that the diet has to be maintained but that can slip and no effect seen quickly. Let work slide or drop in frequency and intensity and back to square one in a snap. But no matter how vigilant for us there is always time that we just can't work them each the way they need. So we maintain the best we can and protect what is there.
There are times when injury and atrophy have progressed to the point that regaining what is lost is not going to happen. Look for the limiting amino acids as those are what typically need addressed to build muscle. Many of the feeds list the main three with amounts. There are other supplements not so expensive to insure he is getting them and work in the right intensity and form. Well fitting tack. You pay enough attention and put the time in that likely you may have reached where he will get with not much further building.
I can say with PSSM horses that the diet has to be maintained but that can slip and no effect seen quickly. Let work slide or drop in frequency and intensity and back to square one in a snap. But no matter how vigilant for us there is always time that we just can't work them each the way they need. So we maintain the best we can and protect what is there.
Pro Add Ultimate is the concentrated supplement I use or have used. This fall I introduced peanut hay as part of their forage and have dropped adding that with no change. My saddle horses are all actually turning into little butter balls. No feed just Moormans Gro Strong mixed with Calf Manna to get them to eat it along with free choice Bermuda and 2lbs of peanut hay. My drafts (PSSM most) take more than that but they are doing well. I do give them Ultra Fiber. I was really resistant as I don't like ADM feeds but it is working and I've been able to lower my feed bill.
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