Another 'old horse-trader trick' would be to put some copper pipe in the feed tub - where he has to lick it while eating. Works wonders on high strung horses...settles them down - and not to worry - they get more copper off the bits we put in their mouths!!

Lance, We feed our beet pulp dry all the time. Would never dream of feeding it wet.... I also have bought feed that had beet pulp already added... I didnt have to feed that wet either. If you are worried that your horse is going to get into the feed then maybe it should be stored in an area where the horse cant get to it or in containers that they cant get open... Which you should do with all your feed because it keeps it fresh. I wouldnt want to eat stale food...do you think your horse does. We use trash cans that have locking lids. Keeps mice and other animals out and freshness in

Another thing to try is putting a brick, or couple of large rocks in his feed tub...to slow down his eating (like Chic mentioned) His behavior might just be that - BEHAVIOR - due to the fact the others are eating, and he is not!

I notice that there are many people reading this post so I want to contribute something even though it has nothing to do with Marcia's problem, and if it did it wouldn't matter 'cuzz her problem has been solved. There have been a few people mention feeding beet pulp. For those of you who have never used beet pulp, and might be tempted to try it, it is important to know that beet pulp when it absorbs all the moiusture it can, will expand to SIX TIMES it's dry volume. Everyone I know who feeds it soaks it first, so that the horse never learns to eat it dry. This is strictly a safety measure. Imagine what would happen if your horse accidentally got into a bag of dry beet pulp and ate it.

I have a Quarter Horse that is sensitive to sugar also. I have him on Safe Choice by Nutrena which is very low in sugar with great results. If you need to maintain or increase a horse's weight I would reccomend Vita Bran Performance Feed.

Marcia, Glad to hear you got it figured out. Enjoy your riding. Double

I am happy to report that since going off Safe and Sound and then Golden Performer Feed and being switched to Steamed Crimped oats, Artemis is like a new horse. He is more grounded and calm, and not spooky. I feel like I have a new horse. I am giving him a half can of oats in the am and pm that is 9% protein. I am firmly a beliver that some horses just can't tolerate feed. My friend also told me that Mark Rashid says if you are having behavorial problems with your horse, the first thing to do is take him off feed. It sure worked for my horse... Thanks, Marcia

I've been giving him some steamed crimped oats that are 9% protein, and coastal hay and he is doing much better. I am going to stick with the oats and hay and not use beet pulp. Thank you all for your suggestions and info. CGW

CGW, Be careful of beet pulp. Most beet pulp has molasses on it. I don't think you want to feed your horse any more sugar. To get the molasses off you have to soak the beet pulp. I have heard you can get beet pulp without molasses on it but it hard to find. Double

I agree with chic.. sounds like a good way to do it.. one of my competition mares who was in a rugged work schedule only got a handful of oats wet but got a good quality hay and grass and she did great on that. was fit and full of energy and the horses guts dont really need grain. BUT of course they ( the horses) would tell you otherwise.lol