Feeling much more positive :)

RubysGold

RubysGold

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27 December 2006
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Firstly, thanks for all the great advice the other night.
I went on the WHW website today, what a fantastic website!
I looked on their right weight page today. And watched a couple of videos.
One of which shows you how to condition score. After watching the video, I went to the yard and tried it with Roo. I obviously know she's obese because replies to my post the other day told me. But after watching that video, I could see on Roo exactly where the fat was, and why she was a 4.5 - 5 ish on the score system.
I also found alot of information on the website about how to get the weight off them. And I learnt this fact:
"Believe it or not, one of the best forms of exercise to help your horse to lose weight is a brisk walk. Faster work, such as trot and canter, uses carbohydrate as the energy source, rather than fat so find ways to build more brisk walking into your routine. This doesn’t need to be riding – you can walk you horse in-hand."
I spent a couple of months, upping Roos exercise thinking I could get the weight down that way, and now I can see why it didnt help.
Thanks again everybody who gave me advice the other night. I'm feeling more positive now. The sores on Brambles face have started to scab over, Roos heel is being treated, and I've started my 'slimming program' for Roo.
No hiding away from the forum for me
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Nickie
 
Well done and good for you for going and doing some more research.

Would totally agree the best thing is lots of walking - make sure it is a 'proper' walk and she doesn't just amble along though - I let mine amble up the drive on the way home as I slacken their girths otherwise they have to march out! You can make her walk on the lunge or lunge rein - a good 20 minutes without a break will be hard work to start but very effective - and less strain on her joints.

Would also say take loads of piccy's and take the same every week so you can see her progress - and use a weigh tape if you have one as it helps you monitor her progress even when you can't 'see' it - it doesn't matter that it is not 100% accurate but it is a useful guide - just do it once a week and make a note so again you can see her progress.

Keep asking the questions - thats how we all learn!!

Well done again - look forward to the piccy's as you go on
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