Help with feed please

[NagNagN4g]

So I’ve had my horse for a month, all’s going well and he’s finally settling into his new routine.

Due to not having a school I can only hack him out or lunge him in an open field. I’ve only been brave enough to hack out by myself twice, the rest of the time I’ve ridden with my friend but due to her work hours that’s only been once a week. He naps a little bit when we first go out, and will just stop and stare, a little squeeze and some encouragement and we’re on our way, he’ll do it a few times but then be ok. He’s very ‘looky’ and whilst I wouldn’t say he’s spooky he’s on high alert all the time and gives various things a wide berth (we can be walking along nicely then before I know it we’re going sideways and looking down at something scary in the bushes!). I don’t think he was like this in his old home. I hacked him out and he just bumbled along. I don’t feel unsafe on him at all, he has very good brakes (snaffle) and a little squeeze and he halts or steadies himself (he’s very forward going).

Anyhoo, I’m beginning to wonder if it’s his feed. He only has a small amount once a day, and it’s not because he needs it really but because the way the yard is, all the horses come in together and have a feed.

I’m currently feeding TopSpec TopChop Lite and the Lite balancer, with a little general purpose supplement, a squirt of cod liver oil and some garlic. I’m wondering if it could be the alfalfa in the chop? TopSpec do a grass chop without alfalfa, I’m wondering if I should give that a try?

Any advice? Thanks.

Or maybe he’s just still settling and just wary of new things? I was told when I got him he’d be a bit challenging when tied up on the yard for the first week before he settles, which he was but he’s past all that now (rearing and pulling back, moving around constantly). He now just stands and munches his hay happily and is chilled in that aspect

Sorry posted too soon.

Yes I’m definitely leaning towards him not being settled. He poos a lot when being worked on his own, it’s not a stress poo as in being loose, but I think he’s a little anxious.

I had someone come and weigh him two weeks ago, they advised on the feed he should be having, and I give him the equivalent from TopSpec. We have someone else coming next week so will seek advice from them as well.

We had a lovely bit of time today after I lunged him, I turned him out and for 15 minutes he stood by the gate and we had cuddles and he was very affectionate towards me. I feel for him, I think he’s just a bit out of sorts.

Make sure he's getting enough hay. Hay, routine and your growing confidence will help him.

Thanks you. Yes he has plenty of hay, his field is already being hayed up and there’s plenty to go around. Every day when he comes in he has a haynet as well, which he never finishes as he gorges when he’s out

Sounds like you are doing just fine! Good stuff!

Thank you, appreciate you saying so

One thing I am learning though, is the horse world is brutal . Even though I have plenty of experience with horses this is the first I’ve owned and my self esteem isn’t the greatest in any aspect of my life, but people always seem to want to stick their oar in and question my every move (I’m talking irl). I fully appreciate advice when I ask for it, but I feel like everything I do is being judged! I need to learn to be more assertive, and not worry so much what people think of me.

I’m actually very competent with horses but it doesn’t always come across that way because of my lack of confidence and belief in myself and I think people irl are taking advantage. I need to man up!!

Same here @NagNagN4g.

The naysayers were out in their droves when I got my boy. Comments, constant pms suggesting there was "no shame" in selling. Lots of "we told you to get a nice cob." Sadly he heard all of this (sorry I'm a bit of a hippy when it comes to my animals) and felt my fear and it just felt like things were on a knife edge.

The longer you have him and it sounds daft but the more stuff you have to deal with - good and bad - the more your confidence grows.

Nobody knows my horse like I do and this has culminated this year in having to actually challenge my vet and turn down suggested treatment in favour of something he was actively advising me against. But my gut told me it was right. And it was. Be yourself, take the advice you feel is right and politely ignore the bits you don't. It's brutal. But I would happily tell the majority of people bar my yard owner and my physio I think to do one now if they gave me unwarranted advice.

Ben Hart is ace for confidence and horse behaviour by the way. He will cut through all of that bullshit for you in a day's course....

I'm actually getting angry on your behalf now that all these people have - by the sounds of it- made you feel like you're doing something wrong to cause this perfectly normal new yard/new owner/massive change in environment behaviour?

Why do so many people expect horses to be perfect straight away in a new home?! Gaaaah - ignore ignore. Time, patience, the right support or people around you to boost your confidence and you'll be well away

My horse tried to kill me repeatedy when I first got her she was totally unhandleable

A LOT of kindness and patience and 12 months down the line she was being led by toddlers and giving rides to children

Patience, kindness, trust- all you need

There's always unsolicited advice on yards. Usually from the people with the flashiest expensive tack and who last got on their own horse in 2008!

Thank you puppy, it’s very frustrating. I’ve never heard of Ben Hart, will check him out.

I feel like I’m bit of a pushover. The person I’m closest too has owned horses for 20 years, and whilst I love her dearly she definitely is ‘in charge’ of our friendship. Does that make sense?! I feel like I’m not on the same level as her and she makes me feel a bit stupid sometimes with her questioning everything I do. I actually bought some placid as a natural calmer to help him while he settles, I got quizzed as to why I was buying it and what did I think it would achieve etc.

Ah zenas sounds like you’ve done a good job there.

Haha jake it’s similar but almost the opposite where I am, it’s a competition to see who can get things the cheapest “why on earth would you spend £30 on a saddle pad? I’ve spent £20 on mine and it’s a nice colour” kind of thing

Hijacking your post a little, but someone further up mentioned the baileys email service. I did it for the pony and got two quite differing replies - just underlines that everyone advises differently and there is no definite way of feeding/doing anything with your equines!

Sounds like you’re doing just fine.
You’re so right.. in the horse world there are so many opinions!!
My suggestion is to trust what you think. It does sounds like settling in. If you think cutting out certain feeds might work, give it a go. Lunge for exercise if you want and walk out in hand if you want.
Anytime you do something think of the reason why you’re doing it. That has always helped me. Fwiw... I don’t hard feed one of my ponies nor does he get rugged... you can imagine the comments I get 😂. I know why I’m doing it tho so I ignore the ‘advice’.
Enjoy your new horse!