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What can I give my cob for some energy2007-11-24 21:21:22

During shows, he is used A LOT. And unfortuneitly, I get him last so he is VERY tired. And I hate it because then he has no forward and we do bad. I jump 2'3- 2'6 in shows. And this is his schedule:

Friday (show prep):

My friend and I braid and bathe him, while the other one leaves right away so she doesnt really do anything, and the other girl (beginner) cleans the tack, but I end up cleaning it again b/c she doesnt do the best job.

Saturday (the show):

At 10:00 a.m. he does ground poles (1 flat class/under saddle/hack w/e u call it, and 2 over a course of ground poles)

Then right after, trot cross rails with a flat class and 2 over fences

Then right after, canter cross rails (flat class, 2 over fences)

And finally me- I do 2-2'3 (flat and 2 jumping) then another division 1 flat and 1 jumping (2'6) and on top of all that, it is going to be incredibly hott this weekend. So what could I give him for energy?

Answers:

Proper training and fitness will be the best thing here. However, no matter how fit your horse is, if you are over using it, it will be exhausted! Make sure you add electrolites to the water since it will be hot. Also, keep your horse in the shade as much as possible inbetween events. I also wet a towel and keep the neck cooled down, seems to help some.

Pushing suppliments down a horse for increased energy is not a great idea...especially in a short amount of time. Rather, listen to your horse. If you are overdoing it - then stop! Scale down your classes and take care of your horse.

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There is no REAL substance you can give your horse to boost it's energy, it wouldn't be good for them. Is this horse yours? If so, you have the power to deduct some of the classes he does. If not, you really don't have any power to control what he does. Make sure he gets good rests in between each class, and if he has a lot of time, hose him, dry him, then tack him back up again.

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Aside from maybe limiting some of your classes you do with him, you can try maybe finding some performance grain and introducing that into his diet. Also, there is a paste for performance horses... It's called Performance Paste. Have never used it personally, usually just do the grain thing. But it might be worth looking into. Good luck. Here is the info on the paste.