just unfit or a health problem?

[alfirules]

i ride a horse for someone, and the horse is rather overweight, i have suggested they move him to a paddock where grazing is restricted, the horse is exercised roughly 5 days a week and this is mainly 2 hours hacking (including lots of hillwork!) and 1 hours schooling session (including a hack there and back to school) a week.

however when the horse has a canter or trots uphill he gets very out of breath and is puffing and panting furiously.

i think it is possible he has a health problem as he shouldnt be unfit, but i also feel that if he lost the weight he would be better.

what do you think? do you think it may be an idea to get the vet to take a blood sample?

 

[soph21]

if he's exercised by you regularly and has been for a while then he should be reasonably fit, i would try taking him off the grass and see how he goes.

sophie xxx

 

[Daisychain]

If he is overweight then i am sure that is the problem, just think of all that fat around his internal organs, definately restrict his grazing i would say!