Exersize vs Feed Question

[gypsygirl]

Hi all ;D

I am searching for different opinions and experiences about feed requirments vs exersize.

Poor sap in my care: Brandy

Previous feed schedule: 1 flake in the am of grasshay
3 hours grazing mid-day
1 flake in the pm of grasshay
Horseguard suppliments
Exersize none

New schedule: Same as above, but now we have added
3-4 roundpen sessions a wk at 20-30
minutes per session.

My questions is should we be increasing feed or keep it the same and see if she looses or gains? What have been your experiences?

A strange thing this morning, I went out to feed the am feeding and she had some left , but attacked the new flake I had brought with me. Both last night and this morning were from the same bale??

Thanks

[pdevlieg]

Hi GG - I wouldn't do anything drastic to change Brandy's feed. She is so little and it sounds as if she is getting enough feed even with a light workout. Just watch her and adjust as needed!

[cardicorgi]

I'm no expert, but when I put my gelding back into work after time off (and there inevitably IS time-off - Thank you, annual abscess!! ) I watch him pretty carefully. The important thing is to have something by which you can objectively measure condition (e.g., weight tape) because sometimes weight loss is slow and insidious, and you might not notice it happening.