Re: Excitable ex-racer!!!

Bummer! Just replied but it disappeared!

Firstly, in regard to diet & such, in addition to what I wrote on the 'skinny TB' thread which is relevant for you, you might want to check out feedxl.com, which is a great diet/nutrition service I sub to, which happens to be free to UK residents ATM, so make the most of it!

Unless the horse has free access to a paddock of long stemmy, low sugar(as opposed to cattle fattening 'improved' pasture) grass, I'd be feeding a heap more hay than that. Pony nuts don't tend to be high sugar/grain, depending on the type, but feeding them only once daily may be exacerbating any gut probs & causing behavioural issues. A good nutritional supp that balances the rest of her diet is also a good idea.

It is also very worth while getting her checked out/treated for any physical problems/pain that may be causing her to be reactive. I'd want to rule out/treat any of these issues before riding her again. Of course, teeth, bit, saddle fit, etc are important parts of that too.

How long have you had the horse? How long has she been off the track, how old is she & what is her experience & training, aside from racing? I notice that you have only been riding for 4 years yourself, which doesn't necessarily mean you're not good enough for her or anything, but I'd be sticking to controlled, safe environments & doing some training with her(perhaps starting her with a good trainer, & then you have lessons too, if you aren't up to it), because it could just be that she's done & knows nothing but racing &/or experienced riders. Don't take her out on roads & such & don't canter her until you have a good working communication going.