Fat Pony

[FlorenceBassey]

One of mine has been back with me for two weeks from being out on loan and is majorly over weight, so what is the safest way to get the way off him especially as he has copd and with no hay araound for me to soak i have no choice but to give him haylege. tips please.

 

[Spudlet]

I would really try your best to source some hay if at all possible and soak it really well before feeding - as in 12-24 hours. Brisk walking is the best exercise - you can also get creative and make mazes or a racetrack type arrangement in the field with electric fencing so he has to move more. Poor grazing, or a grazing muzzle will also be needed.

Also, have a look at this http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/information/right_weight_advice

 

[FlorenceBassey]

Thanks Spudlet

 

[galaxy]

Another oprion if you really can't get hay (we've been struggling too!) is to buy a bag of Hifi Lite. You can use it as a hay replacer.

 

[BobbyMondeo]

I agree, get a hold of some hay and put it in the soaker every morning for the next day. Also a grazing muzzle is great. And please please please take it off slowly, a crash diet can cause sooo many problems!
Do lots of brisk walking and hill work to get the weight off, good luck