Feeding horse that suffers from choke

karminski

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I’m looking for feeding advice for my trotter who sometimes gets choke , my boys live out 24/7 with one having cushings and they are all fed on haylage because getting hay to my field is near impossible . On sat morning at around 6.30 am I went down and gave my boys some haylage loose in the field which I do if the ground is dry ( otherwise it’s haynets in the shelters ) and my trotter went down with a very sudden attack of choke then hit the floor but as I approached him he got up and seemed fine and went to back to eating so I watched him closely for 30 mins or so panicking that I was going to have to get the vet out but thankfully he recovered really quickly ( btw he can’t be caught unless he comes in the pen for hard feed he’s very very nervous ) but now I’m paranoid about feeding him loose haylage again so I’m toying with the idea of using small holed haynets tied up really well and just leave them on the ground , does anyone do this ? . They do use thier shelters a lot but the entrances are so deep of mud now it’s getting annoying and I really don’t want them walking though it although they will happily use them when it’s pouring with rain .
 
I have a horse that will choke if I feed loose hay in the field I think because my other horse is the boss so I think he bolts the hay in the sorry his going to be chased away, doesn't matter how many piles I put out there he still chokes. I only use small hole nets in the field now after a £200 vet bill when he couldn't clear the choke himself:( I would just use nets don't risk it it's only a matter of time before you will need a vet.
 
I was going to suggest teeth too.

I have Marsnets floor feeders. The string isn’t in a loop so much easier as a floor feeder. I don’t use them in winter though as I can’t stand filling muddy haynets.
 
Choking horses don't normally go down. Are you sure of your diagnosis? Might any choke be secondary to a collapse or fit? To be honest ot really doesn't read like choke.
 
You can give him smaller amounts of food or cut up carrots or apples smaller than you are. Putting a large brick or stone in the feed manger or bucket will make it slower for him to eat as it can be caused by bolting food down too quickly.

I've seen two choking horses and neither collapsed, so I agree with Shay that your diagnosis might be a little wrong.
 
Wouldn't do floor nets if any of them are shod, it's asking to get the back of a shoe caught.
 
You can give him smaller amounts of food or cut up carrots or apples smaller than you are. Putting a large brick or stone in the feed manger or bucket will make it slower for him to eat as it can be caused by bolting food down too quickly.

I've seen two choking horses and neither collapsed, so I agree with Shay that your diagnosis might be a little wrong.

The horse is choking on haylage not bucket feed and I agree they don't normally go down with choke they just don't move.
 
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