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 Expert
Posts: 3815
   
Location: The best kept secret in TX | My horse is currently on a winwillows approved (lol) diet of: Bermuda/Orchard Grass, 2 Flakes of Alfalfa, 2 pounds of alfalfa cubes, 1 Pound of RG, and one scoop of the Animed Calming Powder. (We originally thought he was allergic to alfalfa but come to find out he was allergic to our suppliers alfalfa. We started buying from someone else and have yet to have him sick. Vet said it could have had some other type of grass or weed mixed in that was causing him to have allergic reactions.)
He is fed the alfalfa and cubes twice a day by hand with a half pound of RG at each feeding. He gets aloe vera before we go anywhere and during, as well as before we ride in a syringe in the mouth. He also has Equi-sure on the way so we can cut the calming powder out. I like to keep the aloe vera around since he likes the taste (He's very picky) and it helps with his ulcers.
Now, My Question (Finally, right?) : What can I do to help fill him out more? He lost a lot of muscle tone a few years ago when this all started and he's finally started to not look so sickly, but he now has a big belly and no front or hind end.
I don't get to ride very often anymore and I am looking for some help in getting his hind quarters and chest/shoulders built back up. He's lacking in the muscle department pretty badly. Quite the equivalent to a guy wearing skinny jeans with a beer gut. LOL
Drills and supplements to aid in muscle building while doing the drills would be very helpful.
Any advice?  | |
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 Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
 
| I would up his calorie intake. I think RG is Renew Gold. Don't know much about that. But my filly is supposed to be getting 4lbs of Sr Active feed at 10% fat and 14% protein and my 23yo gelding is supposed to be getting 5.5 lbs based on their weight. 1 lb of RG seems light, but again, don't know anything about it.
I also feed THE Muscle Mass custom blend that also has ulcer, digestive, and hoof supplements built in. For hay the get alfalfa/grass mix.
As far as exercise, good collected long trotting and loping so the horse is using their body correctly will help increase muscle and tone. See if you can get someone else to ride him more if you can't. A day or two a week isn't going to do much.
Edited by Nateracer 2017-03-16 9:12 AM
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Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | Nateracer - 2017-03-16 9:11 AM I would up his calorie intake. I think RG is Renew Gold. Don't know much about that. But my filly is supposed to be getting 4lbs of Sr Active feed at 10% fat and 14% protein and my 23yo gelding is supposed to be getting 5.5 lbs based on their weight. 1 lb of RG seems light, but again, don't know anything about it.
I also feed THE Muscle Mass custom blend that also has ulcer, digestive, and hoof supplements built in. For hay the get alfalfa/grass mix.
As far as exercise, good collected long trotting and loping so the horse is using their body correctly will help increase muscle and tone. See if you can get someone else to ride him more if you can't. A day or two a week isn't going to do much.
Very good points thank you.
RG is Renew Gold. It is concentrated and you only need to feed a little to get a lot. He is on free choice hay and pasture that is well taken care of. I may look at upping his calorie intake but for now I think what he is eating is plenty since he gets free choice hay and pasture. Maybe I am wrong tho, not arguing either way.  I may have to re-evaluate if I am upping his workout routine, I would think.
I've heard that long trotting works wonders. I also agree that one or two times a week isn't sufficient. Next question: If I hired someone to come to my house and ride him say 3 days/week and I ride the other 2-3 days what should I expect to pay the rider? Not working barrels, just putting miles on him.  | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 639
Location: God's country...aka TEXAS | Mine are on a similar diet of RG, alfalfa etc. On my bigger guys, I upped their RG to 1.5#/day and give them mega oil by oxygen. Definitely put the "bloom" on him. Also helps with immune system, allergies etc. Great product and not very expensive!! | |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| My gelding who has a hard time keeping a decent top line and tends toward a hay belly is on a diet close to yours - grass hay, alfalfa cubes. I saw improvement when I changed to this diet from processed feeds, but still he was lacking in the top line. He improved even more when I started him on Cur Ost products, the Stomach and Adapt for ulcers, then went to Total, but still I felt something was missing so when we discovered he had a bone spur, I went to the Pure and Nourish and he got his top line looking really nice. He still seemed stiff in his body, though, so I ordered some Forco from NTO on here and he is looking better than ever and is much less stiff in his body. I am NOT tinkering any more with his feed program, haha.
The Nourish is pea protein based and has amino acids, flax seed and ALA and CoQ10. I don't know if he needs more amino acids than the normal horse, or what, all I know is that between the Nourish, Pure and Forco along with the clean diet, he is back to the horse I used to have.
Short story long - maybe he requires a more diverse protein source to get extra amino acids to keep the muscle in his top line.
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 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| Sure.
Alfalfa, probably about 20 lbs, I feed HayRite because I love the consistency and quality.
If he's got a belly, dump the grass hay for now, let his gut suck back up with the alfalfa and long trotting.
Equipride, 1 cup twice a day.
1-2 lbs stabilized rice bran, twice a day.
A thoughtful work/rest program.
A good example is 10 minutes walking, 10 minutes trotting, 5 minutes looking right lead, 5 minutes loping left lead, 10 minutes walking. Every other day, then increasing lope times slowly. Always walk at least ten minutes before and after.
I feed mine MagRestore as well, I feel that it probably helps with muscle soreness.
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Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | JLBerry - 2017-03-16 9:42 AM Mine are on a similar diet of RG, alfalfa etc. On my bigger guys, I upped their RG to 1.5#/day and give them mega oil by oxygen. Definitely put the "bloom" on him. Also helps with immune system, allergies etc. Great product and not very expensive!!
Thank you for the suggestion. Will for sure keep the RG pounds in mind when looking to add to calories. | |
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Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | GLP - 2017-03-16 10:20 AM My gelding who has a hard time keeping a decent top line and tends toward a hay belly is on a diet close to yours - grass hay, alfalfa cubes. I saw improvement when I changed to this diet from processed feeds, but still he was lacking in the top line. He improved even more when I started him on Cur Ost products, the Stomach and Adapt for ulcers, then went to Total, but still I felt something was missing so when we discovered he had a bone spur, I went to the Pure and Nourish and he got his top line looking really nice. He still seemed stiff in his body, though, so I ordered some Forco from NTO on here and he is looking better than ever and is much less stiff in his body. I am NOT tinkering any more with his feed program, haha. The Nourish is pea protein based and has amino acids, flax seed and ALA and CoQ10. I don't know if he needs more amino acids than the normal horse, or what, all I know is that between the Nourish, Pure and Forco along with the clean diet, he is back to the horse I used to have. Short story long - maybe he requires a more diverse protein source to get extra amino acids to keep the muscle in his top line.
I hate tinkering with his feed program. Especially because of his ulcers. I don't plan to overhaul his feed program. Just looking to fill a hole or two. Amino Acids is a good point. I've looked a the CurOst products and read lots of reviews. Thank you for the advice.  | |
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Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | classicpotatochip - 2017-03-16 10:41 AM Sure. Alfalfa, probably about 20 lbs, I feed HayRite because I love the consistency and quality. If he's got a belly, dump the grass hay for now, let his gut suck back up with the alfalfa and long trotting. Equipride, 1 cup twice a day. 1-2 lbs stabilized rice bran, twice a day. A thoughtful work/rest program. A good example is 10 minutes walking, 10 minutes trotting, 5 minutes looking right lead, 5 minutes loping left lead, 10 minutes walking. Every other day, then increasing lope times slowly. Always walk at least ten minutes before and after. I feed mine MagRestore as well, I feel that it probably helps with muscle soreness.
Good Point.
I really appreciate the work program.
Can you explain to me what Equipride and MagRestore are?
Also, out of curiosity why do you feed Stabilized Rice bran alone? | |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| IRunOnFaith - 2017-03-16 11:35 AM
GLP - 2017-03-16 10:20 AM My gelding who has a hard time keeping a decent top line and tends toward a hay belly is on a diet close to yours - grass hay, alfalfa cubes. I saw improvement when I changed to this diet from processed feeds, but still he was lacking in the top line. He improved even more when I started him on Cur Ost products, the Stomach and Adapt for ulcers, then went to Total, but still I felt something was missing so when we discovered he had a bone spur, I went to the Pure and Nourish and he got his top line looking really nice. He still seemed stiff in his body, though, so I ordered some Forco from NTO on here and he is looking better than ever and is much less stiff in his body. I am NOT tinkering any more with his feed program, haha. The Nourish is pea protein based and has amino acids, flax seed and ALA and CoQ10. I don't know if he needs more amino acids than the normal horse, or what, all I know is that between the Nourish, Pure and Forco along with the clean diet, he is back to the horse I used to have. Short story long - maybe he requires a more diverse protein source to get extra amino acids to keep the muscle in his top line.
I hate tinkering with his feed program. Especially because of his ulcers. I don't plan to overhaul his feed program. Just looking to fill a hole or two. Amino Acids is a good point. I've looked a the CurOst products and read lots of reviews. Thank you for the advice.
I STILL have to check every new feed/supplement I come across. REALLY???!!! I am terrible about second guessing myself! But he looks so good, I am just not going to change anything anymore. That is my new mantra.  | |
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Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| IRunOnFaith - 2017-03-16 11:39 AM
classicpotatochip - 2017-03-16 10:41 AM Sure. Alfalfa, probably about 20 lbs, I feed HayRite because I love the consistency and quality. If he's got a belly, dump the grass hay for now, let his gut suck back up with the alfalfa and long trotting. Equipride, 1 cup twice a day. 1-2 lbs stabilized rice bran, twice a day. A thoughtful work/rest program. A good example is 10 minutes walking, 10 minutes trotting, 5 minutes looking right lead, 5 minutes loping left lead, 10 minutes walking. Every other day, then increasing lope times slowly. Always walk at least ten minutes before and after. I feed mine MagRestore as well, I feel that it probably helps with muscle soreness.
Good Point.
I really appreciate the work program.
Can you explain to me what Equipride and MagRestore are?
Also, out of curiosity why do you feed Stabilized Rice bran alone?
Equipride is a nice mix of prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins and minerals. I've had good luck putting a bloom on one with it! It's also fairly economical.
MagRestore is a good bioavailabe magnesium supplement. Magnesium is essential for muscle health.
I feed stabilized rice bran alone because I quit all grain, they love it sooo much, they drink a lot of water eating it, and I like that it has fat, vitamin e, and carbs. It has enough fat to really boost the top line. Their coat, feet, and mane/tail grow like crazy too.
My mare pouts and won't touch her other food if I don't give her a little rice bran, she stands and begs until I leave or she gets some. She's a super easy keeper, so she just gets a little. | |
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Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | GLP - 2017-03-16 11:47 AM IRunOnFaith - 2017-03-16 11:35 AM GLP - 2017-03-16 10:20 AM My gelding who has a hard time keeping a decent top line and tends toward a hay belly is on a diet close to yours - grass hay, alfalfa cubes. I saw improvement when I changed to this diet from processed feeds, but still he was lacking in the top line. He improved even more when I started him on Cur Ost products, the Stomach and Adapt for ulcers, then went to Total, but still I felt something was missing so when we discovered he had a bone spur, I went to the Pure and Nourish and he got his top line looking really nice. He still seemed stiff in his body, though, so I ordered some Forco from NTO on here and he is looking better than ever and is much less stiff in his body. I am NOT tinkering any more with his feed program, haha. The Nourish is pea protein based and has amino acids, flax seed and ALA and CoQ10. I don't know if he needs more amino acids than the normal horse, or what, all I know is that between the Nourish, Pure and Forco along with the clean diet, he is back to the horse I used to have. Short story long - maybe he requires a more diverse protein source to get extra amino acids to keep the muscle in his top line. I hate tinkering with his feed program. Especially because of his ulcers. I don't plan to overhaul his feed program. Just looking to fill a hole or two. Amino Acids is a good point. I've looked a the CurOst products and read lots of reviews. Thank you for the advice. I STILL have to check every new feed/supplement I come across. REALLY???!!! I am terrible about second guessing myself! But he looks so good, I am just not going to change anything anymore. That is my new mantra.
I like this Mantra.  | |
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Expert
Posts: 3815
Location: The best kept secret in TX | classicpotatochip - 2017-03-16 11:48 AM IRunOnFaith - 2017-03-16 11:39 AM classicpotatochip - 2017-03-16 10:41 AM Sure. Alfalfa, probably about 20 lbs, I feed HayRite because I love the consistency and quality. If he's got a belly, dump the grass hay for now, let his gut suck back up with the alfalfa and long trotting. Equipride, 1 cup twice a day. 1-2 lbs stabilized rice bran, twice a day. A thoughtful work/rest program. A good example is 10 minutes walking, 10 minutes trotting, 5 minutes looking right lead, 5 minutes loping left lead, 10 minutes walking. Every other day, then increasing lope times slowly. Always walk at least ten minutes before and after. I feed mine MagRestore as well, I feel that it probably helps with muscle soreness. Good Point.
I really appreciate the work program.
Can you explain to me what Equipride and MagRestore are?
Also, out of curiosity why do you feed Stabilized Rice bran alone? Equipride is a nice mix of prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins and minerals. I've had good luck putting a bloom on one with it! It's also fairly economical. MagRestore is a good bioavailabe magnesium supplement. Magnesium is essential for muscle health. I feed stabilized rice bran alone because I quit all grain, they love it sooo much, they drink a lot of water eating it, and I like that it has fat, vitamin e, and carbs. It has enough fat to really boost the top line. Their coat, feet, and mane/tail grow like crazy too. My mare pouts and won't touch her other food if I don't give her a little rice bran, she stands and begs until I leave or she gets some. She's a super easy keeper, so she just gets a little.
Very good info, thanks for elaborating.
My mare gets fat on air it seems like. Short, stocky type. But my boy is all legs and is hard to keep looking nice.
I'll have to look into the MagRestore for him. I'm sure his muscles will be sore after being off so long. | |
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Building Muscle Tone -Drills? Supplements? Advice?