There is a slightly different Strategy, I think it is called Healthy Edge, but I have not looked to see if it is lower, or how much so, it might be. If you happen to find out, please report back on what it is, inquiring minds wanna know, LOL.
Perhaps selenium levels need to be checked. I know many areas aren’t naturally low but some locations are and depending on there the hay is from, he may need selenium supplements. BUT, only add selenium after his blood levels have been checked and make sure Vitamin E is also in whatever supplement is given IF he is low.
Have you considered a sr feed? I have a TB, not OTTB but been through hell and back. He had ulcers too and after we cleared that up he’s been on good grass and sr. feed and gaining. It’s more sensitive on their gut too.
What did his workload look like when he was in ideal condition?
It sounds like right now he gets 4 days off/3 days on. One of those days is essentially a light W/T hack with a beginner who is likely letting him go around inverted and disconnected. The second ride is on an AA of unknown skills. The third ride is a training ride.
So really his first ride is a -1 in terms of strength/conditioning, second ride is a hopefully +1, and the trainer is a +1. So this horse is getting 1-2 actual rides per week. Most horses would have no topline in this routine.
If he is truly sound (confirmed by a good specialist), and at a 4.5+ BCS then I’d be curious what would happen if you put him in half training. Let a good trainer ride him 3 days a week, 1 putz day with the beginner, and then 1 day with the AA. If after 6-8 weeks you see no change or a negative change in muscle tone being in consistent quality work, I’d consider a muscle biopsy and more extensive diagnostics.
Do you think this might be the evil eye? Ok I might sound like the odd one but I’ve seen this happen to animals and humans alike before, and I’ve also seen it getting resolved. Just sayin…
Honestly OP without knowing what exactly and how much you are feeding we can’t really help. With the details you have given, assuming all boxes are checked nutrition wise, the only way your horse will get a top line is with consistent, correct, riding. Not with a beginner, intermediate AA, 4 training rides a month and you coming once or twice a month to make him “work hard.”
When you say you are the only one to ride him hard, what does that mean? On face value, I would stop doing that and go for long walking hacks or hand walks everywhere. Riding him hard twice a month is not fair to a horse with that kind of work load.
I would cut cut back on the riders and either get more training rides or get to the barn more often. Me personally, I would not feel comfortable having that many people ride my horse.
2 Likes
For posterity… whaaaaa? 
2 Likes
Ditto: what is the ‘evil eye’?
I’m going with the evil eye!!!
