About a year ago we had a 19 year old Oldenburg mare given to my husband and I. She had show to Prix St. George, but schooled all the FEI movements well.
I had previously known this mare, as I was the barn manager at the large farm where she was boarded. During my time there she did have a few soundness problems, but was not on any medications other then bute every other day.
But when she stepped off the trailer and the owner handed me her smartpacs, my eyes all most fell out! She was spending over 300 dollars a month! The thought process for them was that she may have cushions. Which I never saw any sign of. Blood work was done to confirm my thoughts.
Now don’t get me wrong some of the products that smarkpac carries are helpful, but many of them are just another way to make money.
After about a month of eval, I took her off every supplement and medication. I also switched her to an organic pelleted feed, feeding one pound three times a day, along with free choice hay. And with correct work she became a much sounder and happier horse. Your could see your self in her coat, and she had a wonderfully bright expression! Her muscular system improved greatly and her cycles became much more manageable (ever see a horse piaffe and pee at the same time! No very pleasant)
If you are concerned about the nutrient levels of your horse get blood work done, don’t just guess!
The moral of the story, less is more!
I would like to add that keeping a horse of this level sound is not easy! The previous owner did a amazing job with her. And we are forever grateful to of had her in our lives.
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