What do you think of these horses? building muscles?

It sounds like these horses were probably starved for nutrients and it takes considerable time to overcome the effects of that. Just be aware that a weight gain of over a pound a day is not recommended, so that only about 30 lbs a month should be gained. Every structure has to develop tissue strength and "learn" to correctly metabolize proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to restore structural integrity and normal organ functions. Overloading them with nutrients will not speed up the process, and only overtaxes the liver and kidneys while requiring the skeleton to bear additional weight as it recovers.

They appear to be the breeds you say they are, and it is impossible to accurately predict what changes will occur in their conformation when young horses have been kept this way. Right now you are seeing very little muscle mass over the underlying bones along the spine from the poll to the dock, which gives the appearance of ewe necks and sway back that will probably change dramatically over time as the muscles fill in. I've seen horses like this become unrecognizable when they are fed and conditioned and allowed to mature gradually and correctly. Sometimes they will "catch up" with delayed growth rates, or developmental aberrations that have already begun will be reversed. There can be permanent skeletal deformation due to conditions such as epiphysitis or "big head" syndrome from imbalances in minerals during skeletal development, but these horses are still young enough to prevent or even reverse permanent skeletal deformities if they are well managed. What is important now is to provide for daily exercise as much of the time as possible while providing balanced nutrients. Until the bones and are healthy and strong, you don't want too much weight being borne, and you don't want to stress bones and joints unevenly with any work you do with them. There are still many open growth plates and these will respond well to the exercise and nutrition you provide. I would want a vet who is experienced with starvation rehab cases to evaluate the horses and help to design a program of diet and exercise to manage these horses if you can find one. You can also arrange for consultation by phone/emails to an equine clinic by sending them pics and relating the history and current environment to develop a plan.

I would not be worrying about developing muscle mass at this point. Exercise should be aimed at developing even distribution of bone mass and maintaining healthy joints before much more body mass is added. The bones are thickening at this stage, and are strongest when mineral deposition occurs evenly throughout each bone as opposed to heavy deposition on stressed areas from unbalanced exercise. I would just be patient and let this progress gradually as it should.

Some people can be so rude- I think these horses are lucky to have you. Good on you!

1.The paint definitely looks like a paint. Most of the paints I've seen have looked like her.

The appendix definitely looks more QH than TB, but you can see the different breeds.

2. Appendix- For a youngster, not too bad. Neck is a bit too long for her body, and her pasterns are sloped too much for my liking. I quite like her hindquarters, but her hock isn't sitting under her hip very nicely. That could change with growth and work, though. Because she's young, she's very on the forehand, which is helped along by her out of proportion neck. But again, she'll probably grow a couple more inches at the withers, and balance up a little bit. Shoulder is a bit straight, so her gait might be a little choppy, and you might find she stumbles a little.

Paint- LOVE the angles on her hindquarters- and nice line through her hind legs. Nice big rump, and the potential to have a nice thick neck that sits nice and low on her shoulders. She's rather slender for a paint- a pretty narrow chest and elbow. She's a bit over at the knees too.

All up, not too bad for a couple of rescues!!

3. I think weight is the big thing here. You sound like you have them on a good feeding program, and once they put on the weight you'll find that they fill out a lot more. The ewe necks, sunken flanks, and narrow chests can all be helped by a good weight.

I would suggest putting them on a bran-based feed. I've found that's really great for packing on weight all over the body, not just the bellies.

I wouldn't work them until they are at a good weight. When they are nice and fat and rounded, then you can start adding protein to the feed (a bigger quantity of grain) and doing some ground work with them.

Again, good on you for taking them on:) And good luck!

1. I do actually. I can see that the little chestnut has appendix, which by the way is a great breed, and paints are always classified as a spotted horse, but really they come in so many shapes, colors, and sizes that its very beleivable the black mare is a paint aswell.

2. Obviosuly they need to put on weight and stuff but you know that, and i think they are going to grow into thier bodies very nicely. its hard to judge a three year olds confirmation because it can stil change alot, but for 3 year olds they are definatly on the right track.

3. As for the muscle, it will be easier for them to develop as they gain more weight, but you are doing the right thing. lunging horses even at the walk trot and such is great. the circle makes them have to use thier bodies and this creates muscle everywhere including thier back and rump. When they get older you can lundge in side reins which helps bring thier head down and creats wicked neck and back muscle, as well as hind end muscle. For thier training right now i suggest alot of groundwork so when it comes time for them to be ridden, its easier. stuff like lowering thier head to pressure and beng non spooky at things like paper bags.

Good luck and nice horses!

1. They both look like you typical run-of-the-mill quarter horse(that being said it could be do to their present condition) the fact that one is half QH and the other is a paint (both registries having very similar characteristics), I would say they look like their breed-though I really don't see the TB in the appendix. I will also say that, I wouldn't be suprised if they were related they have a lot of similar features.

2. Honestly it's a bit hard to judge in current condition, I'm sure if you keep on the track you are on they will start to change shape a bit-meaning fill in and look more balanced. Because they are underweight both of their shoulders in some of the pictures looks outbid proportion-as in large compared to their hind end. They both have upright shoulders which can work as an advantage depending on your discipline, to me they lean more towards english. Both are very ewe necked which can be improved with weight and conditioning-getting them to use thier topline-getting them to work with a low headset and get their hindend under themselves. The chestnut's hind legs seem to be camped out behind her-though it could be the way she's standing-again weight and muscle to the hind end would improve the look of this. Their feet look awesome by the way albeit a bit small great looking nonetheless. I'm sure with some more TLC youll have some nice looking horses.

3. Lunging exercises work wonders-although at this point in the game your not going to be burning excessive amounts of calories. Getting them to use their hind end during lunging works great-quick switch in directions and turning into the fence. You also want to work on getting their head carriage down while lunging which will help build their topline and help with the ewe neck.

Hope I helped.