Cresty! Not had grass yet!

pistolpete

pistolpete

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Feel for my yard owner her warm blood cross ISH has developed a crest over winter being fed as lib hay. He’s 8. She’s saved her nice grassy paddocks and had them on a sacrifice area. Now what! I’ve felt so mean rationing the highland all winter but his crest (ex stallion) is soft as butter and much reduced from last year. Thoughts?
 
It normally indicates a metabolic issue I would get the horse tested before turning out on lush grass.

I remember some years back in winter the hay was so good and my 2 really got far too fat, I did manage to get it off them before spring as I changed the hay I was buying and just made sure they were being ridden.
 
I've always been convinced there's a hormone element because my mare can get cresty off grass and on soaked hay

But I wouldn't turn out on lush grass.

Is he otherwise fat or just his crest?
 
The farmer I get my hay from said he had his June cut (remember, when it was hot and dry, before the rains started and which have not yet stopped) tested and the sugar levels were very high - he's had to mix it with straw for his cows as it's too rich for them. I get the hay from the second cut during a small dry window in august/september.
 
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He’s well in himself and not in work so she really needs to slim him down a bit I think! Not obese but well covered. It must be metabolic/rich hay. Poor lad will be restricted all summer I guess.
 
There are alot of obese horses being turned out on spring grass. It's very frustrating not being able to say anything, their owners just can't see it.
 
Some horses are just cresty. Faran wasn’t particularly fat, he was ridden 5days a week went to jumping clinics, pole clinics, long hacks etc he was quite fit but he has a cresty neck. His laminitis isn’t metabolic as he has had all the tests and all were negative.

His has reduced a bit on the soaked hay he’s been getting but I wouldn’t say it’s gone dramatically. I would perhaps warn her if she’s the type to take a bit of friendly opinion.

I’ve just bought a Harrison’s haynet for Faran to try. It’s mostly for if he doesn’t like the wheelie feeder I’ve made for his track to keep the hay from spoiling but if he gets on on with it I’ll buy a few more for the stable in winter. Might be worth a suggestion as you can give ad-lib but in a slow feeder net you an point out 🙂
 
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