cariadssogreat
Well-Known Member
As many of you are probably aware I was a total sucker and bought a complete sob story at the begining of august. Namely a 18 year old native mare who is heavily in foal although we do not know when she is due. To complicate things even further she is totally wild and actually has a fear of people. When I say totally wild - she really really is.
She is basically a hat rack - apart from her belly. All her spine etc is very prominent. Condition score is probably 1!
She is out 24/7 - to try and avoid any stress. So she has access to reasonable grass. She has 3 feeds a day of sugar beet , molichaff, and pony nuts. Now obviously this is not conditioning feed - but I didn't want to overload her system as prior to this she had never experienced feed! I still don't want to go mad as she could easily be over done I think - but what should I try - I really don't think she has gained any weight yet - but she has maintained it. I can only assume that it is because the foal is taking everyting. But at this rate it is going to be bad news because I cant see how she'll manage with a foal. Maybe I should have some faith!
But at the end of the day I can't wrap her up in cotton wool in a stable cause she will stress so badly. I cant shove a load of rich food at her cause shes never had it and I dont think she'll cope digestively. Please please any words of wisdom - other than shoot it!
She is basically a hat rack - apart from her belly. All her spine etc is very prominent. Condition score is probably 1!
She is out 24/7 - to try and avoid any stress. So she has access to reasonable grass. She has 3 feeds a day of sugar beet , molichaff, and pony nuts. Now obviously this is not conditioning feed - but I didn't want to overload her system as prior to this she had never experienced feed! I still don't want to go mad as she could easily be over done I think - but what should I try - I really don't think she has gained any weight yet - but she has maintained it. I can only assume that it is because the foal is taking everyting. But at this rate it is going to be bad news because I cant see how she'll manage with a foal. Maybe I should have some faith!