lathargic 4yr old

[lynnandbella]

my 4 yr old irish draught cross is soooo lethargic im wondering what to do, she is quite podgy and on full turn out with only a small feed after work. im aware that its hot so wait until after 7pm before trying any form of exercize , she really doesnt need feeding up as theres a good lot of grass at the moment and her field mate is extremely full of energy, do i try and strip graze her to get her weight down? she wont go above walk on the lunge, and only a small amount of trot when ridden. The mare she is kept next too is very lively, bucking and full of energy when ridden.

 

[warmbloodcrazy]

I would most definitely say her weight is a big factor. I would definitely strip graze and try and restrict her as above everything else there are other implications and risks that may arise from her being over weight. As she is young the extra weight won't be doing her joints etc much good too, For example the development of EMS or low grade laminitis are other risks. My horse was the same and went a bit lethargic and foot sore on stones a couple of months back. I restricted his turnout, he is in during the day with a soaked haynet and out at night, this also helps him stay out of the heat which is a factor. I ride him either early in the morning or late at night and he is back to himself and feeling great. I am only very paranoid about the weight factor as my mums horse that was over weight went down with a case of lami and EMS which nearly meant we lost him last summer.. an emergency trip to liphook saved his life and after careful management and care he is now back to health. We weren't aware of the risky implications a tubby horse can be exposed to and wish that we had had the chance to prevent/ help his problems sooner. They are all being managed now with strict grazing and an exercise routine. You must be cruel to be kind and get on top of it all now, i promise you she will feel like a different horse once she has lost a few pounds!

Good luck!

 

[lynnandbella]

ok, i will try and rig something up with the field shelter, the stables are full of hay atm, there is fencing around the shelter but i just need to get water to it and hope she doesnt jump out to get to her mate! its hard maintaining the weight of a 4yr old that seems to keep growing she looks a bit podgy now but give it a month and she'll have evened out again with another inch upwards!

 

[warmbloodcrazy]

Yeah it is definitely difficult when they are growing but i think sometimes they are better a little leaner rather than a bit podgy. she will be fine I'm sure this lovely weather will soon he gone and they will all perk up when the airs a bit fresher again.. i feel like snoozing in the sun rather than working lately thats for sure!