Feeding a young horse - advice?

[LuckyRed]

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Hi guys

I've recently bought a young (4 1/2 yrs old) irish sport horse and am having fun with him, learning from him and teaching him loads. The link shows some photos from our first hunt together (nice and gentle with no jumping and only 2 lines)

I've been feeding TopSpec Balancer and TopChop (along with lots of hay) and, to be honest, he's looking good. However, a friend was up the other day and started me worrying by asking whether I shouldn't be feeding something with some protein given as he is a growing horse.

If anyone has any advice, I'd be grateful! Is TopSpec Balancer and TopChop sufficient or do I need to give him something else? Help!

[jill]

The main thing is not to overdo it - you can make up lost ground but you can't undo the damage to joints etc from overfeeding. Years ago I knew a couple who wanted to do the very best for their youngster, feeding it loads of top nosh and supplements. One frosty day they left him in his warm cosy stable and next day, when they turned him out he was so wired he reared, came over backwards and pole-axed himself. He was dead within minutes.
Good quality forage and possibly a balancer should be enough, until he starts serious work. At 4 1/2 he will have done most of his growing, depending on the breed.

[jules26]

TBH I would say he should not need it. When we bought our boy as a 4yr old I thought the same but checked with my feed supplier (who is also the producer/manufacturer) and I was advised against it.

[jen1]

mine have been raised on hay and grass inn summer with salt lick, and winter alpha and oil, speedy beat, and micronized linseed, both youngsters are well grown with no health issues,

[emma]

Surely at 4 1/2 he's done most of his growing, I know they still grow but he's not going to need the same amount of protein as say a foal or yearling. I stopped feeding mine specialist youngstock mix at 3yo and they went on to normal topspec. Stop worrying and just enjoy him!

[highlanderpony2002]

I think there is a fair bit of protein in top spec balancer anyway I am sure what you are feeding is fine for him at his age and if he looks well on it then I am sure you are doing fine by him

[LuckyRed]

Thanks - if I've got time today, I thought I'd phone TopSpec just to check.

[annabelle h]

I would get thy calculator out and check the NRC 2007 data against what you're feeding. Better to slightly underfeed than overfeed youngstock I think, but bear in mind our forage is low in protein. :-)

[irishcob]

I'd second phoning TopSpec - they are so helpful and its reassuring to know you're getting it right!

I've got my new young chap on TopSpec Balancer, Top Chop Alfalfa and Cool & Condition cubes (as he needs to build up a bit more) as per their recommendations.

[papershoes]

We feed one of our foalies on topspec because I like the nutritional specification. I feed my boy on Thunderbrook but he is 20!

[marianne]

My youngsters are on Top Spec Stud Balancer till they're 3, then the ordinary TS balancer in winter only. The rest of the year it's hay, grass and a mineral lick :-)

[june]

Definitely give Top Spec a call. The Balancer is high protein but is fed in reasonably small amounts. If you do want to add additional protein you could change the Top Chop Lite to Top Chop Alfa which is higher protein but their nutritionists will be better able to advise.

[LuckyRed]

how much protein should a young horse have? I guess that's the answer I need to allow calculations of how much is in the hay and therefore how much I need to add