Feeding a Senior Horse

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I purchased a 24 year old Foundation QH this spring and he was underweight when I got him. He is built very muscular but no matter what I do, I can't get him fattened up. I have him on Triple Crown Senior twice a day and 24 turn out on green pastures with his buddy. He eats well and his teeth are good but he has a bit of a swayback and you can see his ribs.

ANSWER: Hi Lindsay,

Senior horse can be a real treat to feed!  As a horse ages, it's digestive system slows down and so we need to use feeds that are easy to digest and we should do as much as we can to ensure their system keeps working.

You are certainly doing the right thing by choosing a senior feed.  They use rapidly fermentable fibre sources, almost no starch and some (but not too much) fat.  Your choice of companies is an excellent one.  The slower system of the aging horse doesn't utilize starch or fat very well so it is best to use them in a controlled manner in the ration.  I'm not sure how much you're feeding now but I would say 4 pounds a day ideally split over 3 feedings.  Let me know how this compares to what you are used to feeding, and perhaps we can make some adjustments.

Have you ever considered adding yeast to the horse's diet?  It works so well in helping the older horse utilize their forages and maintain body weight. There is some in the Senior you are feeding but you can not overdo it.  I have also suggested to some to feed the 'Lifeforce Formula' from Alltech, Inc, available online.  I make a similar product from scratch and quite like it for horses who appear impossible to add weight to.  

Let me know what you decide, and if you need any help with feeding rates.

Thanks, Corlena

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Corlena,

I feed him one full scoop of the Senior Feed 2 times per day. I am not sure what this is in pounds though. So, you think I should do three full scoops 3 times per day and continue him on 24/7 turnout?

Answer
Hi again Lindsay,
Triple Crown Senior is designed to feed as the sole feed for a senior horse or in conjunction with your existing forages, so you can not technically feed too much of it.  Since you have good pasture, your horse will certainly benefit from 24/7 turnout and I would suggest feeding the senior in conjunction with your pasture.  Based on the ingredient list for this feed, a 3 quart scoop quart should way approximately 1.2kg (or 2.6 lbs)...but that is an estimate as I have not had a chance to measure that specific feed.  3 scoops a day certainly would be a safe amount to feed if fed in 3 meals.  
I would also suggest that you consider an additional yeast supplement or the 'Lifeforce' formula suggested earlier.  At that age and body condition, you need to boost the digestive system as well as feed more (safe) energy in the diet.  
Hope this helps, Corlena