ihatework
Well-Known Member
OK I own a retired horse that lives with a friend of mine as a companion.
He is 16yo, 7/8th TB, 16.2hh
He has always been a good doer - evented off chaff and balancer!!!
Since fully retiring over 2 years ago he has gradually piled on the pounds, but he really is now obese to the point it's a little concerning. I joked the other day that he'd give the HOYs riding horses a run for their money weight wise!
He lives out 24/7
He doesn't wear a rug
He has zero hard feed
Grazing is 2 acres between 2 horses, green - but grass is short and in no way lush
He gets additional hay once a day (equivalent of 2-3 small bale slices)
Friend is already having to bring her horse out of the paddock to give hard feed and extra forage.
I'm extremely reluctant to reduce his current level of grass & hay intake just because I really do believe they need something going through their system
It's not practical to soak the hay given current set up, I'm really anti-muzzles too.
Is there a miracle trick I'm overlooking??!
*shoot me now* but I have to say I'm considering just sticking my head in the sand, but then if he came down with lammi I'd never forgive myself!
He is 16yo, 7/8th TB, 16.2hh
He has always been a good doer - evented off chaff and balancer!!!
Since fully retiring over 2 years ago he has gradually piled on the pounds, but he really is now obese to the point it's a little concerning. I joked the other day that he'd give the HOYs riding horses a run for their money weight wise!
He lives out 24/7
He doesn't wear a rug
He has zero hard feed
Grazing is 2 acres between 2 horses, green - but grass is short and in no way lush
He gets additional hay once a day (equivalent of 2-3 small bale slices)
Friend is already having to bring her horse out of the paddock to give hard feed and extra forage.
I'm extremely reluctant to reduce his current level of grass & hay intake just because I really do believe they need something going through their system
It's not practical to soak the hay given current set up, I'm really anti-muzzles too.
Is there a miracle trick I'm overlooking??!
*shoot me now* but I have to say I'm considering just sticking my head in the sand, but then if he came down with lammi I'd never forgive myself!