i am so so sorry, more grazing questions!!

[Christmas_Kate]

Okay, ponio WAS on a diet. Unfortunately he's not losing weight anymore, he's just staying 'as is'. TBH I don't think I'll get the weight off him that easily, and atm am concentrating on him not putting any on, then will aim to get him slim over winter, when i can control his diet fully.
anyway, looking at his piggy paddock today.... he's in the bottom of the big field, and each time it rains the grass comes through faster.
Each time it rains I have to move him into the big field as there's no natural shelter, apart from the big hedge. Ditto when it's very hot (and he's fully clipped).
So I was thinking, there's a corner of field which is at the top (field is on a slope), under two trees. The grass is 'bad' quality, mainly long brown grass of about 1ft high.

I was thinking, I could leave him i there come rain or shine, and was wondering if the grass is longer, but bottom quality, would he put on weight? It's due to be topped, but just not sure when (when dad gets time). Would it hurt to put him up there instead or would it make his weight matters worse??

 

[ISHmad]

Put a grazing muzzle on him and leave him in the big field where there is natural shelter.

 

[Christmas_Kate]

He IS in a grazing muzzle lol. 24/ 7... and he still doesnt lose weight!

 

[ISHmad]

Sorry, didn't realise that.

 

[MillionDollar]

Older, longer grass has far less calories than new shoots on short grass. I would make a very small paddock where this grass is and leave him there.

 

[bex1984]

My only thought is - can he eat grass that long with his muzzle on? if so I'd say move him in there, because the more you have to keep moving him around the more the grass gets a chance to rest and grow. and it'll be peace of mind for you, knowing he's always got shelter.

 

[Tia]

Personally I dislike starvation paddocks - they are totally counterproductive to what you are trying to do. They are so small usually that the horse/pony can't get adequate exercise, they have all the new grass shoots in them and generally the ground is so hard as to possibly cause concussion.

Katy if I was you, I'd throw him out into the big field with his muzzle on full time; old grass, less nutrition, shelter and he will get far more exercise out there.

 

[MagicMelon]

I think you should electric tape off a bit (ideally of the crappier grass). Even if you just half the amount he's on, its better than not! Once he's eaten it down, just leave him in there. This is what I do with mine, they stay on their "maintenence paddocks" all summer which have enough grass there's something to pick at but nothing for them to gain weight.