Feeling stressed

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tinycharlie

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Can i have some advice please, I've been trawling the Internet but could do with some help directly.
Our pony is out at grass 24/7 on a small paddock, he's now being worked 4/5 times a week, he has good feet and recently had a trim.
What I'm worried about is he does have a small crest, his belly is a bit big and he is a bit footy on stones out hacking.
He isn't very forward but he's quite a laid back chap so he's always been like this.
Also he can seem lethargic and sleepy after a day at grass.
I know all this shouts low grade laminitis from what I have been reading but I wonder if I'm overreacting as he goes well on flat roads and grass. Farrier said feet are good and he's being ridden by my daughter and an experienced girl and they're having lessons.
I thinking of bringing him in in the daytime on hay to bring his weight down and out at night? Will this help? If it is lgl do you think I need the vet? As apart from the footiness on stones he doesn't appear in pain. I want to avoid full laminitis at all costs
Any advice appreciated, please no nasty comments charlie is our first pony and i just want the best for him 😐
 
I think you are always wise to consider laminitis and, while I would love to say that you are over-reacting and he is fine, I am not going to, just in case!

My horse is "footy" on stones too (unshod behind) and I think some horses always are so that probably isn't too much of a worry.

I think managing his weight is a very good idea for all sorts of reasons. How old is he? The lethargy may well just be down to a full belly or it could be related to his age and general condition.

There are lots of others on the forum who will be able to tell you much more about what to look for than I can as my experience is limited. Two key pointers are fat pads above the eyes and raised pulse in the feet but someone like Wagtail will be able to provide much more info.

Good luck with him!
 
Thank you, he's 4, he does need to drop weight and with winter coming I know that will help, he's not on much grass atm and has no hard feed at all. He's a quiet laid back chap and looks after my daughter very well, they've just started cantering. He's forward on a hack and his turning is getting better as he's being schooled.
 
Hi I think it would be a good idea to keep him in during the day. I put one of mine in at night time and he goes out for a few hours after I ride him. Swelling over the eyes can be a sign so look out for it. He shouldn't be as bad this time of year with winter approaching the goodness is gone out of the grass. Shoes would be a good idea if he is gone tender and if your doing work on the road or hard ground especially.
 
Thank you, they had a lesson today and charlie bucked her off going into canter! So on the advice of the instructor we're going to have the chiro out! Ponies! 😁
 
kate doyle said:
Hi I think it would be a good idea to keep him in during the day. I put one of mine in at night time and he goes out for a few hours after I ride him. Swelling over the eyes can be a sign so look out for it. He shouldn't be as bad this time of year with winter approaching the goodness is gone out of the grass. Shoes would be a good idea if he is gone tender and if your doing work on the road or hard ground especially.
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in most areas the grass is still full of goodness and growing, the weather is warm and we have dew and wetness most nights combines with plenty of sun during the day, my boss's sister has had a pony go down with lami (pony has been in the family over ten years never had lami before) diagnosed monday and not looking good.
 
At this time of year generally, and particularly this year, as it is so warm, there is an Autumn flush. I know my grass is growing like mad and I have had to restrict my two's intake. I think bringing your pony in during the day would be a good idea. Give your hay a good soaking. Best safe than sorry.
 
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