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bumblelion

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To cut a long story short I have just taken on a horse with osteo arthritis who had both stifles operated on a couple of years ago. The dilemma I'm in is that he's overweight. He's been on field rest for 9 weeks and has 3 weeks left before the vets out to assess him. I pick him up next week to take him to my yard. My yard have fenced him a field off, which is an adequate size however the grass is knee high!

Obviously I can't afford for him to gain anymore weight but he can't be worked to lose it. Anyone else been in a similar situation or got any advice?

Thanks x
 
I would suggest you either move some sheep into the area first, or top the grass with either a topper or lawn mower, and rake up the cut grass and dispose of it. You could then strip graze the area with electric fencing. It is important not to try and get weight off horses too quickly as they can develop massive problems. Could you not allow him limited turnout? If you did this you would have to give him a net whilst in his stable during the day or two or three smaller nets split up so he has something to live for! You could feed him ad lib soaked poorer quality hay if you have any as he ought to have something passing through his gut. Please don't think that you are going to accomplish a slim looking horse in two weeks of you owning him, because its not going to happen, but at least you can prevent him putting on anymore and hopefully he might loose a little too.
 
Thanks for your comments. Im aware the weight will take it's time to come off he just can't afford to gain anymore, which is the worry with the long grass. Unfortunately he can't be stabled as he has to be able to keep moving due to his arthritis. The livery yard won't top the field and won't allow sheep! I think my best bet is to keep him in a grazing muzzle 24/7 but allow him some time daily with it off in the indoor school with some soaked hay.
 
Just be careful using a grazing muzzle as mine used to develop colic whenever he lost his muzzle as he would gorge himself stupid.
 
good luck, it sounds like he needs you poor lad. The grazing muzzel will almost certainly rub so wrap it in sheepskin or fake sheepskin round all "ouchy" bits such as buckles. All designs seem to rub, just in different places!
 
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