How much haylege for a 13hh pony?

[lastphoenix]

We have a 13hh slightly over weight 18 year old, lamanitic with COPD, on restricted grazing, he is turned out 24/7 365 days of the year. He isnt in any work apart from being walked out in hand. Can anyone suggest how much haylege to feed him as he can only have limited access to grass due to his laminitis, is there a calculation? Does anyone have a pony in the same situation, what do they get?
We cant feed hay as even if soaked thoroughly it reacts with his COPD? Any suggestions are much appreciated.

 

[touchstone]

I have a 14hh laminitic, 18yo that was on soaked hay for years. Last year I switched to high fibre haylage and found a massive difference in her feet, no laminitic rings and no raised pulses, I was able to increase her access to grass with no ill effects. I also stopped alfalfa chaff at the same time so that might have contributed too, but I honestly think mine is better on haylage.


As for amounts I feed 2% of bodyweight, so if you pony is 350kg then your pony should be getting approx 7kg of total feed a day including grazing.

You might find that you can feed less than this amount (about 1.5% of bodyweight) for weight loss.