From: Nina Vasiliev
Email: rmack@inreach.com
I've been mulling over all the posts. And wondering...Is soaked beet pulp a better alternative than hay at the vet stops?
My horse isn't used to the amount of grain that has been suggested. With beet pulp, I can easily sneak in as much electrolyte as I want, since my gelding will eat beet pulp no-matter-what. Will this provide him with the calories needed for a refueling? Or will it take too long to be digested to be of much use during a ride?
Can I give him as much as he wants during a stop or is the beet pulp too unbalenced so that a larger amount than he usually gets will bother him?
He usually gets half oats and half CA-grown alfalfa where we board. I suppliment lightly since he is a very easy keeper and grain makes him brainless. He gets beet pulp and some oil at home. But even without the pulp he keeps his weight on easily,(and I don't like 'em thin.)
Let me know what you think. I would love to read any nutritional suggestions anyone might have.
Thanks,
Nina Vasiliev