29 August 2008 16:59
I have a 13.2hh cobby mare who’s about 20 years old and is turned out for nine months of the year. For about two years, I haven’t ridden her due to a lack of confidence, but now I want to do some light hacking and schooling. Her weight has varied from 480kg to 520kg over the last year, and she has lost muscle. She gets 2.5kg Balanced Show Mix every evening, plus carrots and a dash of Mud Gard by Naf. She also has 6kg haylage in the morning plus 7kg at night. I would like advice on keeping her in good condition.
Answer
By Your Horse
Nutritionist Katie Williams replies:
Well done for finding the courage to get back on!
I hope the following helps you.
Firstly, I suggest you divide her mix into at least two feeds, rather than one to promote efficient digestion.
If you are limited to one feeda day, try using a high-calorie, fibre-based feed as you can give more of this in one meal without increasing the risk of tummy upsets. For example, feed 1.5kg of your current mix but then give 2 to 3kg of Dengie Alfa-A or Creature Comforts for her to eat overnight. The alfalfa and oil combination give the same energy as a conditioning mix but, because it is cereal-free, more can be given in one feed.
The above diet should be sufficient for the work you want to do. If you reduce the amount of mix you give, it’s important to use a vitamin/mineral supplement.