how do they look?

[fidleyspromise]

I know my thoughts, and I know what others say, but I quietly disagree with them. Interested to know honest opinions of HHO people.

What are your thoughts on the natives?

I tried as many angles as possible.
A little background:
Grey: Highland, 10 yr old mare. Regularly ridden. Fed Formula4Feet and a handful of D+H High fibre nuts
Bay: New Forest, 5 yr old mare. Taken for walks in-hand. Fed D+H High Fibre Nuts
both out 24/7 on small paddock. Ad lib hay.

 

[AmyMay]

Bay looks fine.

Grey looks fat.

 

[fidleyspromise]

Thanks Amymay. I appreciate you saying it as it is Yep, grey is going on a lot harder work. We've been hacking but I think more schooling is also in order. People are so used to them being overweight I've had lots of comments on how great she looks. This is her having lost some weight in winter.

You think bay is ok? I'd still like to see some off of her.

 

[AmyMay]

Personally I think the bay looks spot on, and wouldn't want any of her. But of course you're seeing her in person every day.....

 

[attheponies]

I agree with amymay, the bay looks great to me but I think the grey looks a little overweight (not one to talk here as mine both have tummies).

 

[JFTDWS]

I'd have more off of both. Bay is better but still looks a little lardy to me.

 

[Magicmillbrook]

I'd have more off of both. Bay is better but still looks a little lardy to me.

Agree -its not easy keeping natives svelte and I have seen a lot worse

 

[PoniesRock]

I'd agree - both could do with a bit more off but nothing massivly drastic. But having said that I've got a new forest who's in work 6 days a week - now the evenings are light its hacking for at least a hour doing some serious hill work and its still tough keeping the weight off of her!!!

 

[Littlelegs]

Agree with jftd, in spring I prefer mine on the lean side so I don't have to worry over summer. But we do have ideal grazing for natives so I accept some need watching even if they do start spring lean.

 

[fidleyspromise]

Many thanks all Have to say I am glad, no-ones turned round and said "how fat???" Lol.

Few various opinions regarding Bay. - I may keep her as is BUT she's due to be backed this year so her work will be upped with that. With that added into the mix, then she should lose weight and tone up I agree that I don't want any more weight on her. We'll play it by ear.

Grey pony - can't be on any more of a diet although will cut the nuts out so more exercise.
as a comparison this was her as a rising 5 year old: