I recently changed barns and am now "on my own" so far as feeding my horse. The previous barn I was at he lived in a field (not much grass at all) and had access to an alfalfa bale. He was not fed any grain. He did gain weight when I purchased him and brought him there and at the previous owners farm was on grain once or twice daily and had access to hundreds of acres of great pasture. Now that we are at the new place he has lost weight and I am increasing his grain since the pasture has died for winter. I also feed him alfalfa cubes in addition to the grain. I have been told by my previous trainer that he is too thin but those at my new barn say he is fine. I did check a body condition scale and to me he seemed to rate at a four but I am used to the old farm where all the horses were very round and sometimes called fat. I board with a vet and she thinks he is fine but I still feel his too thin for my liking. Any suggestions?
Truthfully, most people have their horses a bit much on the fleshy side.
You say the pasture has died for winter, but he must be getting hay. Personally, I'd always opt for increasing hay first, then going for the grain and beet pulp.
I agree about increasing the hay. Is there hay available at the new barn? You only mention alfalfa cubes. This weight management video from world horse welfare might be helpful. http://www.barnmice.com/video/top-tips-for-managing-your
I would go with what YOU feel comfortable, unless advised otherwise by a health professional. If your vet thinks he is a good weight, ask if it would harm him to put a little more on and if she says its fine...go for it.
The owners of the stable where I board think Lorenzo is too thin, but they are used to chubby ponies. Lorenzo has a nice layer of fat and muscle over his ribs and is certainly not underweight. He copes well with the work asked of him and the vet says he looks fit and is getting along fine.
Everyone will have on opinion on your horse, its up to you if you choose to take it on board or not :)
If you can easily feel his ribs, but not see them, then I think he's fine. I agree with increasing his hay before increasing his grain. If your vet thinks he's fine, then her probably is. I think most people keep too much weight on their horses these days, and that's not good for them either.