Advice for keeping weight off a young horse!

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emilykerr747

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Hello!

I was hoping for some advice and tips on how to keep weight off a young 4 year old Connie.

He’s currently out 24/7 during summer (as most of the yard is). I’ve noticed that he’s been getting quite fat and so I have sectioned off a small area for him which he goes into during the day and then I let him out with the other two horses at night. However he’s now resorted to going through the electric fence when he wants out!

I’m finding it hard because I don’t want to overwork him to get the weight off him due to his age. He’s currently being ridden 3 times a week. Does anyone have any tips to help manage him?

The yard doesn’t allow the use of muzzles which is frustrating (I think due to a previous accident). And doesn’t allow hay to be fed in the fields. However I am allowed to section the field with fencing.

Ideally I don’t want to bring him in during the day as there aren’t any horses in that he can see so he stresses.

I’m pretty stumped on what to do!
 
I would say plenty of long lining sessions out hacking would be your best friend in this case - you won't have the worry of being on his back and long lining will also help to strengthen him up for his ridden work - so it's a win win :)

Regarding not bringing him in cause he stresses - is there any way that you can slowly start to work on this - it would really help if he could be stabled for a portion of the day as that will help to keep the weight off of him x
 
I would also look for another yard
Because them limiting how you manage your horse could mean you end up with a laminitic which couldn’t be managed in your current set up anyway

I imagine as soon as you let him back out with the others he’s maximising his eating time and undoing he benefit of being off the grass anyway.
 
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