Boredom and head bobbing

Eli's been head bobbing and working up a sweat more so lately than before. Could be because he's in a paddock over the winter to prevent slipping and competing for hay ( not sure where he fits in with the herd but he wasn't the dominant one )

Or, could be his feed - too much Protien as mentioned in the Hard Keeper - Feeding Pellets post.

Either way I am sure it is some sort of anxiety associated with boredom. Which is probably another good reason he is free feeding. When he's eating he's not bobbing his head.

What I did and HOPE it works is put some hay in a hay net, the one we used in the trailer when transporting him and hung it from his shelter. The idea is that he will eat from there but have to work a bit to get the hay out. Might have to let him finish off the hay in his paddock before he shows any interest. PLUS, if it's snowing or raining he'll be protected from the elements.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not, but I got it when I read a post about an EcoNet round bale. Seen a picture, but still haven't had a chance to look into that yet I will post about EcoNets once I research more.

Update: looks like its working. Went back two days later and netting was empty, certainly eating the hay so must be keeping him busy even if for just a short time. Refilled it before heading home.

Hard Keeper - Feeding Pellets

Eli being a Thoroughbred is always on the lean to thin side and with winter here we are trying to make sure he and Ella put and keep weight on.

How we're trying to accomplish and maintain this is by, making sure they have continues access to hay (free feed), wear sheets to suit the climate, get regular exercise to maintain muscle and feed them pellet feed in thd form if a high-fat supplement mixed with a complete feed.

Having done this we noticed Eli was head bobbing and pacing quite a bit, this could be a number of this ( another post to follow will be AB idea I had to combat boredom). Someone made mention that it might be their feed. High protein or too much protein. So we have since changed it to Proform Step 6 to go along with the high-fat feed Proform Step 8.

I should have picked-up the maintenance Step 5 feed as it is 10% Protein and the Step 6 is 14%. I hope that this makes a difference because changing feed before they get used to it can't be good either.

We keep the feed in containers to help keep it fresh and prevent attracting mice and contamination from mice droppings.

Picture 1 is Step 6 feed. Picture 2 is Step 8 feed and remaining photos the containers and information found on Proform. Something I have to keep in mind is they amount they are fed and their daily intake of selenium.

Second last Picture: CR Profibre Crunch is recommended for horses with Metabolic Syndrome or sugar sedative and the last photo is a selenium 'guidline' found on the Internet.

Any feed or supplements should be Veternarian recommended or approved. H

Proform Step 6 Feed on the LEFT  Proform Step 8 Feed on the RIGHT

Proform StepRight Step 8 Feed (High Fat)

Proform StepRight Step 6 Feed (Senior) 

Selenium daily intake 'Guideline' 

Saturday's training session

Saturday's training with Ella went really well. Worked with lowering her head for the bridal. The bit didn't seem to bother that much at all and usual one hour session was extended to two hours.

Did some lunging and ground work in relation to effective communication in the saddle or when mounted. I can certainly see her confidence growing.

When Robyn (trainer) is working with her I see how willing she is and how much potential she has - then when practicing my homework with her prior to the lesson ending I realizing how much I have to learn as Robyn makes it look so easy.

I have to focus on my timing and make sure I am communicating with her properly and not sending mixed messages.

After Ella's training session I brought Eli in for some lunging - stretch out his legs and get some circulation going. When that was done I took off his halter and let him run around. Just after putting his halter back on he indicated that he wasn't quite done so before attaching the lead I gig z clip of him being a bit spunky, I will include that as well.

After training and lessons and some time cooling down they get their feed as a reward back in their paddocks. And plenty of fresh hay.

Eli having fun running around in the Arena

Eli Following me in between the posts without a lead 

ELLA 

Ella Trot and Canter