[spyro1]

I know, I know, there have been a thousand threads on this subject
It's hard for me to change my way of doing things sometimes, and guess I need some reassurance.
I am thinking seriously about switching my 2 younguns over to a ration balancer, Triple Crown 30%. Justin is currently on Legends 10%/6%, 6# per day, Equi-Pride supp, free choice coastal bermuda and T&A am and pm, flakes probably weigh approx 5-6 # each. He is 2.
Cruiser is on Triple Crown Complete, 11%P/10% fat, 6# per day and 1# calf manna, free choice coastal bermuda and T&A am and pm. He's a yearling.
They both look phenominal, and I cant help but thinking *Dont fix what aint broke* but I also want healthy horses in the long run.

Here is what I am thinking~ TC 30% at recommended level (will read the info at work tomorrow on how much, I think it's right around 1#) free choice coastal, T&A and then add some Rice Bran pellets in with the 30% supp. Not sure what the reccommended amount of RB is, but I think I remember reading the bag and it said anywhere from between one pound to 2 pounds.
Do I have enough in there with what I have laid out above, or do I absolutley need to add alf pellets or cubes?? Is adding either/or a horse by horse decision depending on weight issues??
Oh this is scary......

[CowGirlUp1833]

I'm at the same point Beth. I was in the same "don't fix what isn't broke"....Stevey "looks" great. But...I decided to go with the Ration Balancer also (Grow-n-Win by Buckeye Nutrition) I'll let you know how it goes

I'm also adding a joint sup for preventitive maintenance...

[JBandRio]

Originally Posted by spyro1

Here is what I am thinking~ TC 30% at recommended level (will read the info at work tomorrow on how much, I think it's right around 1#) free choice coastal, T&A and then add some Rice Bran pellets in with the 30% supp. Not sure what the reccommended amount of RB is, but I think I remember reading the bag and it said anywhere from between one pound to 2 pounds.
Do I have enough in there with what I have laid out above, or do I absolutley need to add alf pellets or cubes?? Is adding either/or a horse by horse decision depending on weight issues??
Oh this is scary......

This sounds like a very reasonable place to start Whether or not you add a-pellets/cubes is indeed partially a weight issue. I KNOW it's scary! But trust that thousands of people, many right here on this very board, have done what you're contemplating, and so far all is well

[imacowgirl2]

I'm very happy with the results of a ration balancer diet...and the great part about it is that you CAN easily adjust a diet for each horse, depending on their energy needs, and if they change life states (ie. pregnancy, more work, less work, etc.) its very easy to increase or decrease calories as needed.

[spyro1]

Thanks everyone. I am leaving for 9 days the end of this month and when I get back , I beleive I will start them on new feeding regiment. Oh boy, here I go. Changing the way I have been doing things for years.

[PeggySue]

Spyro I recently changed and my 2yo is doing great on just the ration balancer... I am keeping a close eye on his weight though .. so far he is maintaining it well ...

[spyro1]

Peggy, are you adding any RB or anything else for fat with it??

[wyldterv]

Beth, the only horse not on a RB at my house right now is Dancer.... For her I did end up with a high fat/fiber performance designed diet mixture (with some grains in it, but also soy hulls, flax seed, boss, rice bran, yeast culture, biotin, and some other 'goodies' buit into it). For her, she just needed a bit 'more' over all.

One thing though that I'm careful about with Elle is to include a fair amount of alfalfa pellets to help ensure plenty of protein intake for growth spurts BOSS has a good amount of protein as well.

[spyro1]

Thanks Karyn. I am getting some awesome feedback. One question, why are you going with alf pellets over cubes? Just curious. I was reading tags at work and our alf pellets hvae animal fat in them. Not sure I am comfortable with that....
Also, I know a vet who uses Born To Win, but also feeds a 14% cheap pellet for calories. Isnt that defeating the purpose??

[wyldterv]

I have not seen any animal fat listed as a binder on the tags of the pellets I buy. I use the pellets because Elle eats them and is not too crazy about eating the cubes Plus I'm not feeding the pellets as a fiber alternative, so don't need the long stemmed qualities of the cubes. And lastly I can get all Organic Pellets and NOT all Organic Cubes and I like the idea of no pesticides when ever possible .

BTW, if you are feeding a smaller then recommended amount of any grain that is fortified, then you would want to add a vit/min supplement.

Before the LMF GOLD was available, I used the Ration Balancer PLUS 4 pounds a day of Ultium (Purina) for added calories/weight gain for Mustang Poncho when I was needing weight on him. As soon as I got his weight where I wanted it, I took out the Ultium and kept the balancer.