SUCCESS! This makes it all worth while!

Below is a note I received from Thunder's new owner, and my reply.

This exchange beautifully illustrates my sales and Helpful Hints goals.

Thank you Nancy!

"Hello Clare, I wanted to let you know I am enjoying Thunder tremendously!! We have been riding and he seems to be settling in very well. I do have a few questions for you though. What is the feed mixture you used to put some weight on Thunder. He seems to have lost a little and I wanted him to be able to maintain the weight he came in with. The stable has also run out of Alfalfa so that my also contribute to the small weight loss. I have them feeding 2 grass flakes in the am and 2 alfalfa flakes in the pm. So for this week he has only gotten grass at both feedings. What did you use to clean him up? His coat and mane/tail are sooo soft and I would like to continue that. Why did you only put shoes on the front? And were they hot or cold? Lunging commands? We have been using "out" to start, "clicking" noise for the trot and "smooch" noise for a gallop. All and all he is doing great. We have noticed he likes attention and treats. He is getting plenty of both. Again, thanks so much for all your help. And Alisha was wonderful as well. I have attached a few photos for you also."

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Good morning Nancy, I am beyond thrilled that you and Thunder are doing so well together. It makes me incredibly happy! The photos are wonderful. So nice to see your daughter enjoying him as well! I have written answers to you questions below. We have been riding and he seems to be settling in very well. I do have a few questions for you though. What is the feed mixture you used to put some weight on Thunder. He seems to have lost a little and I wanted him to be able to maintain the weight he came in with. The stable has also run out of Alfalfa so that my also contribute to the small weight loss. I have them feeding 2 grass flakes in the am and 2 alfalfa flakes in the pm. So for this week he has only gotten grass at both feedings. Thunder is an excellent eater. So, unlike some horses, he will eat up to 6 flakes per day. He really needs 5-6 flakes per day, to keep his weight on. If the barn does not feed lunch, I would ask them to feed him 3 flakes in the am, and 3 in the pm. It would be better though for him to get 2 am, 2 for lunch, and 2 for dinner. The barn will probably ask you to pay for those extra 2 flakes per day, but it is less expensive than supplements, and better for his health. That should keep his weight on even if there is no alfalfa. (Of course, horses prefer to get some alfalfa, because it tastes much better, and it will keep the weight on him much easier). If they do get alfalfa back, the best would be 2 alfalfa in the morning, 2 grass for lunch, 2 grass for dinner, or: 2 alfalfa and 1 grass in the am, and 3 grass in the pm. Note: It is better to feed the alfalfa flakes in the morning feed. If you want to add grain supplements to that as well: The best grain for weight gain is: Nutrina Safe Choice & Rice Bran pellets (The Natural Glow Rice Bran pellets taste much better, but they are much more expensive. The generic Rice bran pellets work just as well). A scope of each, once a day is good to start with, than you could certainly increase to 2 scoops a day, or even 2 scoops 2 times per day. You really can't give them too much. I usually add 1 big glug of Corn Oil, but some horses don't like it. If you increase his hay to 6 flakes per day, even without the alfalfa, he will put the weight back on in a week, and he will maintain it. Of course, as you and I fully agree, more food till you can no longer see his ribs. What did you use to clean him up? His coat and mane/tail are sooo soft and I would like to continue that. A lot of grooming and Show Sheen in his mane and tail. Show Sheen is my "go-to" product, I love it! I even wrote it into my "Helpful Hints" page of my website here. (by the way, that is Thunder's nose in the sunburn section), Why did you only put shoes on the front? And were they hot or cold? I usually only shoe my horses in front, but Thunder will do better on the trails if you shoe him all the way around. My farrier hot shoes, but cold will be just fine as well. Lunging commands? We have been using "out" to start, "clicking" noise for the trot and "smooch" noise for a gallop. I push him out with the longe whip towards his shoulder, click and the word 'trot' for trot, and always 'kiss' for canter (sounds like you do the same). All and all he is doing great. We have noticed he likes attention and treats. He is getting plenty of both. You are absolutely right! He thrives on attention and treats. Definitely a "people person". So happy that he is such a great addition to your family, and that he found such a wonderful 'forever' home. It completely makes my life to know that! Again, thanks so much for all your help. And Alisha was wonderful as well. It was distinctly my pleasure and my privilege! And yes, Alisha is great, 'as good as it gets'. Best, Clare