Following on from size zero thread. Do you think he's too fat?

S

Sarah1

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Hi guys
Just wondered if you would give me your honest opinions on my ID x WB gelding.
I'm rather worried about his weight as he's heavier now than he ever has been & I don't want him getting laminitis etc. He's on quite a small paddock which he has eaten the grass down in & he's worked 5-6 times per week.
He doesn't have hard feed as such but I do give him a handful of Baileys lo cal when he's worked to get electrolytes into him.
He's on a slight slope in these pics so looks a little odd but here goes...
Photo-0167.jpg

Photo-0168.jpg

Thanks
 
You are doing everything right but I think he is still a bit podgy. Can you keep him in during the day and out at night as this tends to help restrict their grazing?
 
He's very podgy compared to how he usually looks! He went onto the little paddock he's on a few weeks ago & I had to restrict his grazing til he'd eaten it down as he ballooned as soon as he went on - he's greedy & will just gorge himself! I had been keeping him in overnight as there were other horses in the stable block, now however, it's a bit tricker as he'd be in on his own & would fret. He wouldn't throw himself about but would quietly stress on his own so I'm loathe to do it unless I absolutely have to - was thinking of investing in a muzzle even though I don't really like them - I'd rather that than him be poorly!
 
Thanks everyone - I know he doesn't want to be any bigger and hopefully what I'm doing will prevent that, I was just worried he was too fat at the mo!
 
Ha ha! Does look like it doesn't it?! He's a cracking pony, beautifully marked & a real pleasure!
 
Agreed, he certainly doesn't need any more weight, you seem to be doing everything you can for him.
 
He is carrying a little more weight than would be ideal - but he's probably at his fattest now in May, and will drop a bit into the summer when the grass is less nutritious.
S
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Thank you everyone - you've put my mind at rest a little. I know he does need to lose some and I'll carry on with the usual programme - with a few possible minor adjustments ie PeterNatts suggestion of sectioning paddock. It's not a huge paddock, big enough for him to stretch his legs but not to be careering about, but if I feel he's not losing any I'll def. section it off.
Thanks again
 
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