Bob I wanted to also add something I feel is
critical when I bought my weanling 5 year's ago- EXERCISE!!!. I have
nowhere the experience raising babies as a lot of folks on the internet....so
asked a lot of questions and especially my vet (U.C. Davis grad). We
agreed a good grass hay for majority of feed; very small amounts of alfalfa,
some oat (I like several types of hay, feel like I am covering the bases
nutritionally). I had a lot of concerns about mine growing too fast as she
did (ended up 15.3).....anyway, my vets comment about Purina Eqine Junior was to
look at the reccomended amount and feed half that....which I did with no
problems. I also had some seasonal pasture she went out on.
Just as important if not more so to worry about
than feeding is exercise. Too many babies are raised in flat paddocks or
small pastures. Mine was lucky to come from a really good breeder who had
huge paddocks to socialize mare and foal groups, then just huge grassy pastures
where they could run.....so at least up to 5 months she ran and played with
other babies (although all flat).
I have 10 acres, also flat and pretty
quickly buddied her up to one older mare.....and pretty soon got her right out
into the group of my mares with lots of turnout. The mares do a good job
socializing the baby and keep it "humble."
But I also started, second week I had her, in
loading her with the older mare and heading out to the trails, very short rides
at first (20 min) as there were small hills, rocks. creeks, etc. All that
good stuff. I tried to get her out 3-4 times a week....and built it up
slowly over time. My goal was to try to sort of approximate an what an
ideal environment would be for a youngster growing up since I don't own that nice, hilly property. The exercise is
critical for strong development of bones, ligmanets and muscles. You also
don't want to over do it either......It was really fun to see her run loose, lag
behind, race to catch up.....slide in the mud and basically make all the
mistakes you want them to make BEFORE you get on their backs!!! It
also helps them develop confidence too....
If I had the choice between two 2 year old
horses......one that grew up with a lot of land to roam on, even slightly
undefed....and the paddock raised one that was fed the "best of everything" with
all the modern supplements.....I would take the scrawny pasture raised one in a
minute!!!
Thanks to everyone for their
responses on how to feed a young colt. I was definitely thinking wrong.
I will not pour on the oats to maximize growth but will instead increase
hay and find a feed formulated specifically for foals such as LMF, EJ or
Gro'n'win and work on slow bone growth rather than getting him big at a fast
rate. Bob
