Adjusting to more grass in a herd

[Hormonal Filly]

For the last week my mare has been out with the herd, total of 6 on 5 acres. She still comes to call, which is lovely I was super anxious, are mares less playful? They just seem to all get on really well! but there is a decent amount of grass. It isn’t short grass, but she’s coming in looking rather in foal.

She was in her own paddock on ad-lib hay (over grazed) but I liked the idea of her socialising. She seems happier in herself, I love seeing her happy to go out.

She’s in a good amount of work, her weight is perfect (bar the bloating)

I’m just worried how to manage it without her getting fat.

Will she adjust and scoff less? Metabolism adjust? She’s been out 24/7 due to the stables being small, but does come in when it’s really hot. Equally when she’s in she scoffs the hay!

 

[Melody Grey]

Can you muzzle her to reduce intake? Pre and pro biotics and products like activated charcoal can help with the bloating, but with my son’s pony as an example, restricting what goes in the front of end is by far the most effective method for us.

Could you bring off the grass for a time each day? I’m not sure if you’ve built up the grass intake gradually (I would always be cautious rather than just going for it).

 

[Melody Grey]

Just re- read she is coming in sometimes- is it worth double netting or soaking the hay? I’ve always thought the grass the most ‘bloaty’ element so would probably seek to control that first.

 

[Indieanna6]

Mine bloats terribly on more grass, she will go out looking normal and come in looking like she’s in foal to twins - she eats everything as if it’s her last meal (she was starved when she was younger)

I find fennel seeds help with the bloating

 

[Hormonal Filly]

is it worth double netting or soaking the hay

I try and avoid double netting as she gets so annoyed she really yanks haynets. Soaking the hay is definitely a good idea! I’m hoping it will be eaten down quite fast..