A slow feeder for a yearling?

[candyappy]

@Equkelly

I’m sorry but a lack of boarding options is not an excuse. If that was really the case, then why would you even buy a baby? Babies need other horses to grow up with, they need turnout, and they need access to forage. It’s absolutely unfair to a yearling to keep it alone in a paddock for 99% of its life. If I were you I would either sell the horse to someone that can provide adequate living arrangements, or board the horse somewhere further away so he can be somewhere that meets his needs.

I raised several foals at an urban boarding barn who were kept alone with just a horse on each side. They got ample hay but not 24/7. They got turned out into the arena but we had no pastures. they had a 12x12 stall with an adjacent small paddock.

They were not only happy, well adjusted and healthy, they were also a joy to work with and had no issues from growing up that way. Did I wish I had acres of grass and several other babies for them to play with? Of course, but sadly that isn’t always the case.

OP is doing nothing but right by their 18 month old horse and putting a 6.5( BCS horse) on unlimited hay is more abusive then not having a playmate.

We have to work with what we have available to us. There are many ways to raise a young horse right.

[WesternSkies]

I thank everyone for the support and encouragement. I’m no stranger to the harsh criticism one can receive on the internet, but it still stings. I love this baby to death and want to do right by him. He’s a sweet and calm guy seems very content at the new barn.

[Bearx2]

Deleted my last post because I wanted to tag you in this . I just wanted to send you hugs . It sounds like you are doing great with the options available to you . Go hug your horse and don’t let anything happening here bring you down .

[WesternSkies]

Thank you, Bearx2. I truly appreciate it!

[Tucker5]

Did you end up using a slow feeder? I’m in the process of purchasing a yearling filly. She’ll be barely halter broke and so I’ll be bringing her into a paddock for a bit of handling. I’m leaning toward High Country Plastics Feed Saver but wasn’t sure if that would be money well spent.