Lio seems to be over whatever illness he had, and I'm almost sure it wasn't strangles anyway. Never did get those swollen nodes or abcesses, thank God. He loves his grain, and seems only mildly interested in the hay (alfalfa mix). We're feeding a 16% sweet feed top-dressed with a 32% supplement, 4 pounds twice a day. We put a cup of corn oil and about an eighth cup powdered garlic in his breakfast, and he gobbles it right up.

He is approachable and catch-able, but still a bit skittish, particularly about his face and head. When I grain him, I make him stand still and I rub his whole head for a few minutes before I let him eat. He's starting to learn that it feels good! This morning, he was happy and frisky and he did a little trot around the paddock for me, and even threw in a little "happy to be alive" kick-buck. Prior to this, he merely shuffled around, just barely lifting his feet when he took steps. His coat is improving and he is putting on some weight. Of course, he is the prettiest horse on the street already. I haven't done much in the way of lessons, because he was so sick & depressed, but we'll begin this weekend. I'll report again in a month or so, when we've had a chance to really make some strides!

-- Shannon at Grateful Acres Animal Sanctuary (gratacres@aol.com), January 23, 2002

Answers

Shannon, that's great news! I knew you would win him over! Best of luck to the both of you.

-- cowgirlone in OK (cowgirlone47@hotmail.com), January 23, 2002.

My horses never would eat alfalfa. Can you get some plain grass hay?

-- Rose (open_rose@hotmail.com), January 23, 2002.

My vet (and other sources) say he should get alfalfa for the higher protein. I had grass hay for him, too, and he picked at that also.

-- Shannon at Grateful Acres Animal Sanctuary (gratacres@aol.com), January 23, 2002.

I'm so happy that Leo is getting better and is happier. I was thinking of you and Leo just today!

-- Ardie/WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), January 23, 2002.

Shannon: You said you are giving him 16% seet feed with a 32% protein supplement (sounds like Buckeye's Gro n' Win) on top. I think that is supplying all the protein he needs. It is essential that horses get more than half their calories in the form of forage (hay) and if he is not interested in the alfalfa, then supply him with some good grass hay. A great many horse breeders never feed alfalfa.

-- debbie inMO (risingwind@socket.net), January 23, 2002.

Just to add, the forage part of his diet is so important, that you might want to either cut back on the caloric content of the grain (like reducing or eliminating the oil) or even cutting back on the grain, in order for Lio to be hungry enough to eat his hay. Maybe you could also give him the hay first and feed the grain after he eats it. Horses are like kids, they'll fill up on sweets if you let them and It'll ruin their dinner! Lio should be getting about 1.5% of his weight every day in forage.

-- Debbie in Mo (risingwind@socket.net), January 23, 2002.

most horses do very well with out grain if they have good hay. I know you are feeding it to put weight on him but watch because a lot of grain can make them hyper and hard to handle.

-- kathy h (ckhart55@earthlink.net), January 23, 2002.

Shannon, I've been reading the Lio saga from the first time you wrote about thinking of going to the auction. I wish him and you the best and hope you continue to update us on his progress. Is it possible to see a picture of him? Best wishes to you

-- Karen Mauk (kansashobbit@yahoo.com), January 24, 2002.