Excess grass worry

[pixiebee]

My new forest is steadily getting larger than id like. The yard im at has plenty of land but grass rich land! He has been put onto a field with too much grass and have gone through two muzzles this week- he has worn them for years with no issues so do not understand why when i go up the next day they have miraculously disappeared into thin air( we have searched the field believe me!) am sure someone is stealing them!

Anyway- he had locking stifles and under previous vets advice to keep his weight down- now the yard does have a fatty paddock but it already has 3 ponies on it so no room for mine. Am concerned as when the grass gets eaten down they seem to move onto yet more grass

I love my yard, so dont want to move because of this but dont know what else to do. The yard owner has suggested bringing him in by day and putting him out at night. Will this be safe option do you think?

 

[ForeverBroke_]

I think so, the sugar levels in the grass are much less at night without the sun on them

made a difference to Darce xx

 

[scotsmare]

Will YO not let you section off a bit of field for your pony? If not then bringing in during the day would be the way to go - give him a bit of soaked hay when he's in.

I have my chubby section b on a bare starvation strip during the day and she goes back out onto the field at night with the rest of them.

 

[pixiebee]

I also thaught about sectioning off a bit of the field but dont have any electric fencing and cant afford batteries etc should it go walkies! I guess i was just worried that bringing him in during the day with a little hay then putting him out on the grass would encourage him to gorge himself when he is out. ?? hmmm, I hate being paranoid but couldnt bare anything to happen to him!

 

[gemmahodgkinson]

in during the day and out at night is what most people at my yard have to do for the weight watchers brigade! We have really good grazing and I have tried to keep my mare out this summer but she is growing rapidly so am having to have a stable and bring her in from 7.30am to 6pm with a bit of soaked hay.
No one who I know who brings in during the day has had any problems with gorging so i think you should be ok.

 

[OWLIE185]

Buy some electric fencing. Cheaper long term than having to have the vet out.

 

[megwan1]

i'd bring in for the day with 12hr soaked hay and also work him every day to keep him moving and weight down good luck

 

[pixiebee]

working him is the problem being pregnant and on crutches!! Thats half the problem!