Grain or rocket fuel?

[ptownevt]

I didn't really believe that grain could make this kind of difference in a horse, but I've seen it with my own eyes now. We've only had my daughter's gelding since the first of May. He came with warnings of his lunacy, but we didn't really see it. That is until last week. We've fed him Ultium since we got him. He calmed down significantly in the first two weeks we had him. I attributed it to the fact that he was happier. Fast forward to a week ago. The barn where he lives ran out of Ultium and fed him Demand for 3 or 4 days. He turned into Rocket Boy! My daughter couldn't even get on him. Just on the lunge line he ran in crazed circles, finally tearing the line out of my hands and taking off around the ring like a wildman. Got the Ultium back in. Within 24 hours, back to the sweet, kind, calm Gunar we know and love.

This horse was given to us because his owner never felt safe with him. She was an adult beginner, so I chalked it up to her inexperience and his forward way of going. Now I think she gave away a very, very nice horse simply because he was getting the wrong grain. I wonder how many horses have been sold or worse just because of a sensitivity to carbs? At our last barn the BO has 2 horses that she cannot use at all because of unpredictable spooking and bolting. She feeds them Strategy. Wonder if there's a connection. I know that she would never consider a change so I suppose it is a moot point. But for us, Gunar will never, ever eat a high or even moderate carb feed again. I am considering switching him to Safe Choice by Nutrena for an even lower level feed. He is a very hard keeper though so I am not sure.

Anyone else have this experience?
Pam

[sublimequine]

For the first time in my mare's life she's on a no-grain diet. I have a different horse, I kid you not. Nearly ALL of the training problems we used to have are totally gone. The change is so extreme that I do almost wonder if she had some sort of sensitivity or allergy to grains or something, I have no clue. All I care about is that she's quiet, calm, and happy! :lol:

[whbar158]

I don't know for sure but I dont think there is much difference in carbs and sugars between ultium and safe choice as SC is not all that low. I would go with TC low starch or BS carb guard for a lower sugar content.

[wendy]

yeah there was a month some years ago where I thought my horse had gone insane. Turns out the BO had switched him from pellets to sweet feed without telling me.

[bhebert19]

FYI - Safe Choice is higher in NSC's so I would not go that route, Ultium is a great feed but if you are looking to change look into Triple Crown Products as someone else stated. I use to feed Ultium and loved it and never thought I would find a better feed and about 6 months ago I switched to Triple Crown Senior and LOVE it... And it has 11% NSC compared to Ultium's 16%... PM me if you want more information! :)

[LarkspurCO]

Sometimes a little rocket fuel can be a lot of fun ... especially on a cool, crisp afternoon with two or three miles of open trail ahead ... grab hold of the rocket and enjoy the ride.:D


I have one like yours. Give him oats and he runs laps all day. Give him Ultium and he resembles a normal horse. Tried a bag TC Senior and he said "yuck."