Help...very fat Shetland

[Slightlyconfused]

Also, how thick is the coat?

If it's thick then take it off or do a very high blanket if you are worried about his back getting cold.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Re the issue with not being able to access the water troughs when strip grazing, could you carry water from the troughs to the strip grazing paddocks and keep water bin(s) topped up?

 

[honetpot]

I have only looked after a Shetland once, but I do have native ponies and in my experience they only to get them to lose weight is to get them to burn more energy. This is either done like someone else has suggested clipping or getting them to move more, apart from a person exercising them.
I would chose whom ever they do not get along with out of the rest of you herd and put them in a strip wide enough for the little one to get out of their way. The bigger one will keep them moving off food, gets the best food and even if you have to supplement that one, its better than the little one getting laminitis. A box shape just makes them stand more. I have a 'mover' he is not nasty but he always want someone else has, so they end up walking more.
I have one water trough in seven acres and it is possible to make separate paddocks with one trough.

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

Just to update....
Shitland has now been moved into a very bare paddock with the yard owners elderly Sec B who has to have limited grazing. She has a bit of a reputation for being nasty with other ponies but her and Jske are getting on like a house on fire. He's even running about playing with her ?????

 

[MagicMelon]

I would get lungeing daily then do ride and lead when a bit fitter, but I still think you need to take urgent action if the pony is already really fat or you really do risk laminitis any day and I dont think just exercise alone will help... You mention you cant strip graze, but is that just because of the water trough situation? surely you could section off a little corner of the field for him and just put a bucket of water in with him?

 

[Tiddlypom]

MM, did you read the OP’s update, which is the post immediately preceding yours?

 

[SatansLittleHelper]

Thanks MM but I have moved him now...post above yours