What is an ideal rate for a TB to go from about a body condition score of 3-4 to a 5, assuming the following conditions:
-Teeth are good; recent dental care -Wormed with ivermectin; doesn't seem wormy -General health good other than weight -Not working much -Sound, no known injuries -7 years old -Gets turned out in paddock with a buddy, but they don't run around much
I didn't include details about the diet because it's whole discussion in itself :-) I am curious how quickly it's safe to gain, and what expectations are reasonable. I am wary of putting on too much too soon, but it's winter so some fat would be nice. This mare isn't hot or nervous, so I don't think she's burning any calories with unauthorized activity.
?2009-11-20T10:35:28Z
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Dont worry about too fast weight gain on a thoroughbred. They are notorious for being hard keepers. I have 6 OTTB's and I give them a way higher amount of feed than the other breeds here on the farm. Gaining weight in the winter will be tough. Make sure you blanket the horse, that helps the horse use up the calories for body condition insted of burning calories trying to keep warm. A good high alfalfa content hay will really help gain weight. One small square a day (40lbs). Grain the horse at least 2x daily (better if you can grain more frequently through the day). I try to stick to as natural as possible grains when feeding, eg. rolled oats, cracked corn, beet pulp and top dress flax oil. this will make it very unlikely for the horse to founder when feeing large amounts. Avoid commercial mixes with lots of molasses. Make sure there is free access to unlimited water and mineral block. I like to double dose a new arrival to the farm with ivermectin, give one dose, wait 14 days and give another full dose. This takes care of both worms and also will kill lice (Just in case the horse has them - lice can cause a very rapid decrease in condition). Lots of turnout is great mentally and physically for your horse. Thoroughbreds can be quite sensitive to a major change (such as moving to a new farm) and it is not uncommon for them to lose weight initally (no matter how much you feed them). Dont be dissapointed to find that this might happen with your girl for the first little while. Hope that helps!
I've had my 7 y/o Arab for about a year that was about a 3 when I got him, after 6 months he was about a 6. I have been really careful with him though because when I got him he had never had grass, or grain for that matter :( He was surviving solely on hay and to be quite honest I was surprised he looked as good as he did. I'm assuming he was still alive because the only energy he spent was standing around in his stall. (The people couldn't handle him and were afraid grain would make him "crazy" was their excuse) It's been a year now and he is almost where I want him to be for winter. If only I could get that stubborn Arab butt of his to round out just a little more!
ETA* I agree with the second post on beet pulp! It's a life saver, Jetta didn't really start gaining weight until we gave it to him. Also definitely blanket her, light if below 50 degrees, heavy if 30 or below. (you probably already know that)
First off, Thoroughbreds achieve weight and maintain it on higher whilst they're operating. You can "leg up" your horse via taking her for walks down the avenue every day and on occasion using her. This will support construct bone density and muscle. Did you assess along with your vet approximately getting her into a piece events? No horse that's epidermis and bones must be ridden, as you already know, however a somewhat underweight horse may also be. She demands to do flooring poles FIRST. If she was once lately rescued she most often does not know the way to give up very good and in the event you maintain going the way in which you're you're going to finally end up with a horse that runs over the jumps and shall be relatively out of manipulate. Work over flooring poles, stroll, trot and canter. If you could have 2 poles 24' aside you canter the primary one and do a downward transition to trot over the moment one. This is helping along with your brakes. SLOWLY paintings as much as cavaletti as trot poles and ultimately as jumps. Once your horse can do an 18" move-rail it is beautiful secure to expect she is aware of what she's doing and slowly paintings her approach up as her health progresses. Before you even THINK of cantering her over jumps you must be ready to trot her over an 18" vertical (my 15.3H OTTB can trot a two' vertical however it appears that is unusual) with out getting scorching or freaking out. She is pausing on the soar given that she is not certain what to do. Go slowly together with her so that you coach her EVERYTHING she demands to understand. I desire considering the fact that you desired her as a jumper and with the expertise that she is off the monitor that you just had her entrance ft X-rayed while you had her pre-acquire examination performed.