Energy without calories?

[Kr250710]

I will be ringing my feed lady if he doesn’t improve.

Over winter my horse went flat and lost a lot of weight... I rang my feed lady and we introduced a handful of power and performance to his usual fast fibre feeds. They however had no grass in their paddock so I had put it down to this.

When she came out in March and weighed him she advised me to change feeds to calm and condition to increase both calories and energy...however we were moving fields so I didn’t do this. I was correct as he piled the weight back on and had more energy.

Since then we have again moved fields and although we have had no decent grass his weight has stayed the same (and I don’t want to put any more on) but he has no energy again.

Therefore I am looking for something I can give him that won’t add calories but will add energy - any ideas?

TIA xx

[DraughtyWindow]

Do you not feed a balancer? If not, that might be your issue. Also suggest you add micronised linseed in the winter. That would help keep the weight on.

[pinkpolo]

Maybe try a balancer with minimal calories?

Is he living out? I find my pony is much better if he comes in during the day for a good few hours. He's full of himself by the time I turn up in the evening! Tend to work him, then he goes out for the night.

[Kr250710]

No he’s not actually on a balancer, never been recommended one - he’s on fast fibre at the moment.

@pinkpolo he’s out during the day and in at night and we can’t change the routine where I keep him

Ta x

[pinkpolo]

Have you got the option of working him in the morning before he goes out? He might feel more energetic if he's had a good rest overnight? My pony is definitely lacking any spark when he's been out grazing and comes in with a huge grass belly!

I feed Thunderbrook daily essentials balancer if you're looking for low calorie suggestions. He gets that will a handful of chaff, but you could always try it with the fast fibre.

Good luck 🍀 x

[GemmaB78]

My endurance mare gets calm and condition and topspec lite balancer with some readigrass to slow her down. She's out 24/7 in the summer and 12 hours a day in the winter with ad lib hay. It's a feed regime that gives her the energy needed to support her training and competition regime but without her losing her mind!