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Post by kdcarpe on Mar 7, 2010 8:58:06 GMT -5
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Post by Big Tee© on Mar 7, 2010 9:08:41 GMT -5
First, feed. How much grain are you feeding him in POUNDS and how much hay? Nnot all scoops are equal, the only scoop I have holds maybe a cup because it is for cat food. and there are scoops that hold many pounds........so weigh the feed. Horses should have 1-2% of their body weight in good quality forage, and if grain is fed, no more than 5 pounds per feeding. Are you feeding straight oats or have you succumbed to advert hype and bought something pricey? Also, remember, race horses, regardless of breed, are generally built differently so don't go by looks alone - if you see ribs, feed more but if you can only feel them, the weight is right. I suspect this horse needs work more than feed as muscle mass has decreased and he is soft and lanky looking.
Before you do anything as far as riding him goes, get those teeth done, then worry about bits etc. Do ground work with him - lots of it. Hang a mullen mouth snaffle in his mouth and see how he likes it. Do some ground driving, longeing, get him to lead from both sides. He will not be used to having much done from the off side because it isnt done at the track (I still have nightmares about cross-hatching to pick feet). Saddle and unsaddle him, teach him voice commands. You are starting a "baby" despite him racing - racing is NOT the same as riding just because he was sat on and steered around the track at speed so, treat him like he knows nothing.
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