Bri
Well-Known Member
Is it normal for a horse to drop off weight & condition if they're having a growth spurt?
My 4 year old has suddenly started to look really ropey, and has lost all enthusiasm for being worked. Less than 2 weeks ago he was like a duracell bunny - full of energy & sparkle and always eager to be on the go. Over the past 2 weeks he has just seemed not himself - very quiet & down.When ridden he's all over the place & seems to have lost the connection between his brain & his feet! Previously he was fed on very little as he'd held his weight over the winter really well & I ideally wanted him a bit slimmer coming into spring. Since last week his feed has been upped & he is now on 3 meals a day of Alfa A oil, sugarbeet, nuts & blue chip. He has also been off work. Despite this he has lost even more weight this week
His worming is up to date & teeth were done less than a month ago. I'm just wondering if this is normal for this time of year & his age, especially as he has grown about 2 inches recently. Or should I be thinking of getting out the vet?
As a comparison - there is about 4 weeks between these pictures..
My 4 year old has suddenly started to look really ropey, and has lost all enthusiasm for being worked. Less than 2 weeks ago he was like a duracell bunny - full of energy & sparkle and always eager to be on the go. Over the past 2 weeks he has just seemed not himself - very quiet & down.When ridden he's all over the place & seems to have lost the connection between his brain & his feet! Previously he was fed on very little as he'd held his weight over the winter really well & I ideally wanted him a bit slimmer coming into spring. Since last week his feed has been upped & he is now on 3 meals a day of Alfa A oil, sugarbeet, nuts & blue chip. He has also been off work. Despite this he has lost even more weight this week
His worming is up to date & teeth were done less than a month ago. I'm just wondering if this is normal for this time of year & his age, especially as he has grown about 2 inches recently. Or should I be thinking of getting out the vet?
As a comparison - there is about 4 weeks between these pictures..