Fostering a pony with EMS

[Showmum]

Hi - we are looking into fostering a New Forest X gelding and he's got EMS (equine metabolic syndrome). The sanctuary have said he's not on any medication but needs a strict diet. He is perfect for us in every way, 1st horse for my 13 yo daughter, so I'm just trying to find out as much as we can about his condition. So if anybody has any experience of a pony with EMS, I would be grateful for your advice. Thanks.

 

[CazD]

Id think hard about this one. He will need a strict diet combined with a lot of exercise to keep on top of his weight and the EMS. I lost my mare to EMS induced laminitis last year in spite of her having been kept off the grass and yarded for several months. Id suggest you research the condition carefully. Hopefully someone will be along shortly on here to give you some in depth advice.

 

[TGM]

You say it is a first horse for your daughter, is it also a first horse for your family? If you have not had responsibility for a horse or pony before, I would caution against getting one with special needs such as EMS.