Hi Levon,
It is quite normal for a young endurance horse to
drop off some during the season. When Baby Tzar was
5-7 yrs. the vets would always suggest that I "put a little more
cover on those ribs"--and I would try, without a lot of success.
Now that his junior rider is more interested in
girls than riding thereby slowing down his training miles, he is gaining
weight. At the last ride the Duck said: Did anyone ever suggest
taking 100-200 lbs off that horse? He is 9 now. I was so
surprised that "Baby Tzar" might be considered chubby and then I really looked
at him and I realized he is really a solid, big horse!
Now in order to hold his weight when he was
younger, I checked into all my herbal resources. I found a one that
will help under some circumstances. If you are in an area with a fair
amount of moisture and humidity, then Fenugreek is an herb that is used to help
process feed better and hold condition. Hilton Herbs will charge you $50+
for a tub of it mixed with fennel and filler. I suggest that you go to
your local health food store and check into it as a bulk herb and add a
little to his beet pulp.
If you are in the desert West and have verylow
humidity, then you probably should not do this. Fenugreek is also
used to dry up muscus and in a really dry climate I have always been concerned
that it might lead to a bloody nose--Hilton does not tell you that.
Good Luck with your youngster--we will hold onto his weight as he grows
up.
Joane and the Herd
Price, Utah
