Question

I just purchased a 5-year-old, just-gelded Thoroughbred off the track. He’s a tall horse, about 16.2 hands (168 cm). What can I feed him to keep his weight up and his energy down? I am in my 60s, and I just pleasure ride. I have started him on a calcium/magnesium supplement, which I am told will help calm him. Should I add a B-complex to that also? I am also feeding him 1/2 cup of ground flaxseed. Will this be helpful?

Answer

For your off-track Thoroughbred, I would recommend a high-fat, high-fiber feed to help him gain weight from his current racing physique. Look for a feed that contains at least 10 % fat and super fibers such as beet pulp and soy hulls. These should be fed in accordance to the manufacturer’s feeding directions and your gelding’s weight and body condition score.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that thiamine (vitamin B1) can have a calming effect in anxious horses. You may consider finding a supplement that combines both B vitamins and magnesium, which you are currently using.

Horses in race training and those recently retired from the track are at great risk for gastric ulcers. Providing free-choice hay (at least 1.5 % body weight per day; 16.5 lb or 7.5 kg) of a mixed variety such as an alfalfa(lucerne)/timothy would provide more calories per pound, in addition to the greater buffering capacity alfalfa provides against stomach acid.

Adding a complementary total digestive tract supplement such as RiteTrac* may be beneficial in providing gastric buffers and coating agents that protect the stomach lining and neutralize gastric pH. RiteTrac also contains a time-released hindgut buffer designed to combat subclinical hindgut acidosis, together supporting optimal digestive health.

KERx Special Needs Nutrition supplements, developed by KER, are an excellent way to complement a balanced feeding program and are designed to address common problems as well as special needs.

Here is an article that might be interesting to you: Feeding After the Finish Line.

*KERx RiteTrac is not available in Australia and New Zealand; however KER has other options available in these areas for treating and managing digestive conditions in horses, including the hindgut buffer KERx EquiShure. For more advice on managing digestive conditions if you are situated in this area, please contact the KER Australia office.