Weight building and loose stools

Question
Hello,
I have two horses and two different questions.  1.  TB/WB cross mare, 7 YO  16.1h used as a hunter jumper, ridden 5-6 days a week, jumped once a week.  In training to build muscle and fitness; she came to us 6 months ago, green and not fit.  Her muscle tone in improving and her flanks are filling in nicely but her ribs still show.  She is feed pellets 2 quarts and timothy hay 2-3 flakes 3-4 times a day.  We increased her pellets and she got a little hot, so we put the pellets back down and have increased her hay.  I see a number of weight building supplements - any suggestions?  She is peppy enough so do not need to increase the energy.  She is UTD on shots and teeth floating.  2.  A new 3YO TK/ISH cross, gelding, 16.1h just being broke.  Having loose, watery stools.  Recently moved to our barn, is gaining weight and muscle nicely but is still having loose stools.  He does drink plenty of water.  We do feed a continuous wormer which he did not have at the previous barn.  They tube wormed him a month ago (before we had him)  we do not tube worm but do paste worm for tape worms on a schedule to supplement the daily wormer.  I just don't know if this is still feed adjustment, or maybe he does have worms that the tape wormer missed and the daily wormer has not gotten yet or at what point should we be concerned?  Thanks so much!  Donna

Answer
Dear Donna,

I would try feeding your TB beet pulp.  It has similar energy content to oats but doesn't make them hot as the energy is coming from fermentable fiber rather than starch and sugar. You should be able to feel ribs fairly easily but not see them.  Your horse is not getting enough calories for the work he is doing.

As for the 3YO his problem may be stress related which is effecting his digestive tract.  I would feed him a probiotic like Ration Plus which should help get his digestive bugs back on track and reduce the loose stools.  As for worms if you are concerned talk to your vet about doing a fecal egg count to see what his worm burden is and then tailor your worming schedule accordingly;y.

Best regards,

Clair Thunes, PhD
Independent Equine Nutritionist,
Equilibrate Equine Consulting,
www.equilibrateequine.com
info@equilibrateequine.com