Supplements for a young horse

[Rudi]

Hi - I have just purchased a 2 y.o. Arab who is a little on the thin side and seems too slight for her age. She is in a bit of a "deficit" with her growth due to being run-down and very thin last summer. I am starting to ride her this summer (she'll be 3 y.o. by then), and in the meantime would like to build her up. Not just weight-wise, but her joints and bones, so she is stronger. I have been told MSM would be good for her bones - does anyone have an opinion on this? Are there any other supplements that would be good for bones and growth?

I've also done a separate post on MSM if anyone is interested

Thanks for any advice you may have.

:)

[Mehitabel]

hi rudi,
msm is more a joint thing, for arthritis or stiffness, than a preventative thing. what are you feeding her? you can get (in the uk, anyway) special youngstock mixes which have all the supplementary vitamins etc that a young horse needs without overloading them, so you might be better off getting one of these. if you can't get hold of one, then i would suggest a calcium supplement to help her bone strength, and maybe a broad spectrum multivitamin, or soomething like pink powder, which is used for horses recovering from injury or illness, or after a course of antibiotics to help re-establish the gut flora and as a general pick-me-up.
if she is a bit behind for her age, you might also be better off leaving the riding until she's four - then she can have some extra time to catch up and you know that her skeleton is as strong as it can be when you start riding.

[Jane.A]

I would be temted to give an all round vitamin and mineral supplement. Mine have Seaquim which is seaweed based and their coats and hooves look marvellous. It also has the correct calcium phosphorous ratio important for young bones. MSM is realy for joints and she shouldn't need it. The product for re-balancing the hind gut is NAF Pink Powder. Other than that I would give her a proprietory youngstock cube if concerned about her condition.

[Showjumper]

Dolly is on Chaff, cider vinegar and Equimins and all the hay she wants. Like yours, she is two, but in fantastic condition, and this food is really bringing out the best in her.

For yours, I would consider a Youngstock mix, but would advise you talk to perhaps the Dodson & Horrell helpline or similar to see what they suggest :)

Good luck!

[Tootsie4U]

What I would do is put her on a diet of hay pellets. It provides the bulk without the excess energy. As far as supplements go, I'd suggest a good multi-vitamin. Remember that you dont really need to supplement a horse unless it is in very heavy work. Good feed should be all you need ;)

[vyvyen]

Hi Rudi,

Like you I have just got a young 2 1/2 yo pony that was extremely thin and malnourished. I had Arni on chaff, kelp, calcium, mineral block etc but after taking him for his vet check he suggested only giving him bulk hay, Arni has really filled out in a short time and is looking much better (and happier):D . I am only going to do ground work with Arni for the next 6 months to a year and then get him started under saddle. Good luck with your 2 yo as well.

[Rudi]

Thank you all for your replies. It was interesting to hear what your horses are eating. In answer to some of your questions, my horse is on hay, with oats and Complete Feed supplement, vegetable oil and MSM. I am letting her gain some weight and grow a bit more, then will start riding her gently this summer.