My Thoroughbred

Question
Ed: I purchased a 12 yr old thoroughbred that was pulled from the track after an injury 8 years ago (x-rays are OK).  He had been on a ranch that just 3 years ago started training him in dressage/flat work to build his muscles, etc.  He is beautiful and a kind horse.  At the previous barn, he had a 5 acre pasture to play in, would train maybe 2 times a week and brought in at night.  They never experienced him bucking or spooking or being hot.  I purchased him 3 months ago and he as definately done all of that :)  I figured out he was hurting in his confirmation and have had the chiropracter out, the dentist and had to inject his hocks.  He is much happier now, but still having a bit of a time settling.  Not use to this type of training and I understand that and know it will take some time.  I adore him, and when he moves correctly, he is something to watch.  I want to make sure I am doing the best for him food wise...he is 17.1 and about 1300lbs.  The trainer is giving him 6 flecks of grass hay (2morn/2after/2night) and just a little rice bran and ultium.  He has lost some weight, and still a little too hot.  I was thinking of putting him on rice bran and LMF Senior w/o any molas.  Just don't know.  To top it off, I am moving to Lodi, CA, however, it use to be a Thoroughbred farm that has been turned into a western/hunter/jumper/dressage facility.  My trainer trains Thoroughbreds and he will now have a huge grassy turn out to run.  I know this is long, but just needed to know what you would feed him, how I can get him to settle more and relax.  I have committed to make sure he has time to get use to this type training (just flat work for now, but w/ aids)and gets plenty of time to be a horse.  Any suggestions?  Thank you so much!

Answer
hi  well you will have to give him a diet that is not too much protein as that will keep him hot. when had the horses on the farm resting, i would turn them out all day and bring them in and feed them  just a sweet feed low in protein. as long as he is getting a good quality hay and a good ration of a balanced sweet feed he should hold hid weight and settle down too. there are some additives to put in his feed to help him calm down. with daily training and a good feed he should come around for you i think the lowest sweet feed has about 10 % protein in it. hope this helps you  thanks ED HESS