Poppys Nannan
Well-Known Member
hi everyone, my horse has changed shape around her flanks and i was told that in the winter this does happen due to her fat being needed around her other organs ... is this true
my horse in winter
- Thread starter Poppys Nannan
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be positive
Well-Known Member
If she is losing weight around her flanks, it tends to be the first place they drop off and a sign they need more food. I have never heard of needing to keep their organs warm and moving the fat around.
Is she warm enough, wearing a rug and having plenty of hay. The weather has been good so far and most horses are keeping weight on well but the goodness will be going from the grass so some hard feed may be required.
Is she warm enough, wearing a rug and having plenty of hay. The weather has been good so far and most horses are keeping weight on well but the goodness will be going from the grass so some hard feed may be required.
Poppys Nannan
Well-Known Member
Thanks
She is rugged given adlib hay and is fed twice a day with calm and condition and alpha a oil
her flanks go really inwards but everywhere else looks fine.
My daughter rides her perhaps 3 times a week now.
I am open to any suggestions.
many thanks
She is rugged given adlib hay and is fed twice a day with calm and condition and alpha a oil
her flanks go really inwards but everywhere else looks fine.
My daughter rides her perhaps 3 times a week now.
I am open to any suggestions.
many thanks
be positive
Well-Known Member
Have her teeth been checked recently and her worming up to date, does she eat much hay, they often prefer grass which may not be really doing much good at the moment.
You could increase her feed a little, add some more oil or try Pink Powder which will aid digestion and can help with weight gain, what you really want to do is stop her losing any more as it can be really difficult once it gets cold to put it back on.
If she is out 24/7 possibly bring her in for a while each day so that she will fill up on some hay.
You could increase her feed a little, add some more oil or try Pink Powder which will aid digestion and can help with weight gain, what you really want to do is stop her losing any more as it can be really difficult once it gets cold to put it back on.
If she is out 24/7 possibly bring her in for a while each day so that she will fill up on some hay.
Poppys Nannan
Well-Known Member
Thanks
had her teeth done about a month ago.
She does eat all her hay and is grazing throughout as she is out 24/7
She is only had ad lib hay for a little while as she is now in her own paddock and was previously in with her mate but he tended to have the lions share.
SHe is now in her own paddock next to her mate and next to my youngster on the other side.
- how long will it take for the increased hay intake to take any effect. In terms of adding oil - do you mean more alpha a oil or just some ordinary oil.
would the pink powder need to be a permanent addition or a short term one x
Many thanks for reading x x
had her teeth done about a month ago.
She does eat all her hay and is grazing throughout as she is out 24/7
She is only had ad lib hay for a little while as she is now in her own paddock and was previously in with her mate but he tended to have the lions share.
SHe is now in her own paddock next to her mate and next to my youngster on the other side.
- how long will it take for the increased hay intake to take any effect. In terms of adding oil - do you mean more alpha a oil or just some ordinary oil.
would the pink powder need to be a permanent addition or a short term one x
Many thanks for reading x x
lcharles
Well-Known Member
Do you have a photo of her? X
Poppys Nannan
Well-Known Member
I will try and get one later.
The explanation of the fat redistributing seems plausible and the lady who explained it to me is very knowledgable and worked with horses for a long time and i trust what she says - i am always asking her things and she always has time to explain and help, BUT just looking at my daugters horse just makes me worry and she is so valuable to us that i want to do what is the right thing for her.
many thanks x
The explanation of the fat redistributing seems plausible and the lady who explained it to me is very knowledgable and worked with horses for a long time and i trust what she says - i am always asking her things and she always has time to explain and help, BUT just looking at my daugters horse just makes me worry and she is so valuable to us that i want to do what is the right thing for her.
many thanks x
Damnation
Well-Known Member
Sounds like she is tucked up. Usually from working hard or feeling cold.
Poppys Nannan
Well-Known Member
Hello there,
From your reply i looked at what 'tucked up' means and looks like but not sure if i got right info but she doesn;t look tucked up from what i compared with
Her abdomen and ribs are well rounded and well covered both with fat skin and winter coat - what do you think ?
also she does drink quite a lot although i suspect that may reduce as the water becomes colder!! and she is only in light to medium work
I am open to listening to your reasoning and more info and tucked up - what should i do if you think she is tucked up
many thanks for your reply x x
From your reply i looked at what 'tucked up' means and looks like but not sure if i got right info but she doesn;t look tucked up from what i compared with
Her abdomen and ribs are well rounded and well covered both with fat skin and winter coat - what do you think ?
also she does drink quite a lot although i suspect that may reduce as the water becomes colder!! and she is only in light to medium work
I am open to listening to your reasoning and more info and tucked up - what should i do if you think she is tucked up
many thanks for your reply x x
FanyDuChamp
Well-Known Member
Sounds to me like she has lost condition. Captain loses it on the quarters and it makes him look bony. She could be tucked up, that is at the end of her rib cage she will go in dramatically.
FDC
FDC
classicalfan
Well-Known Member
Any or all of the above could be the cause. Difficult to say without a photo. Sometimes when the fibre intake is increased some horses get a much rounder belly so that other parts of them look as if they have changed shape when in fact they have stayed the same. If the wieght loss is more over her rear end it could be muscle loss due to less work or she has changed her way of moving due to discofort soemwhere.
With some individuals who have always lost weight at this time of year regardless of feeding, weather, rugs, etc, I always wonder if they have an equine version of Seasonally Affected Disorder.
With some individuals who have always lost weight at this time of year regardless of feeding, weather, rugs, etc, I always wonder if they have an equine version of Seasonally Affected Disorder.
Honey08
Waffled a lot!
Is she a tb type horse? They often are harder to keep weight on..
I agree that the back end loses conditioin if the horse is not working as much. Was she fitter and doing more previously?
How about ringing one of the helplines on your feed bags - they will often come out and assess the horse, then give advice on feeding.
I agree that the back end loses conditioin if the horse is not working as much. Was she fitter and doing more previously?
How about ringing one of the helplines on your feed bags - they will often come out and assess the horse, then give advice on feeding.
Poppys Nannan
Well-Known Member
http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee426/Jeanette182/IMAG1761.jpg
http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee426/Jeanette182/IMAG1761.jpg
Here are pictures of my daughters horse, any suggestions gratefully received x x
http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee426/Jeanette182/IMAG1761.jpg
Here are pictures of my daughters horse, any suggestions gratefully received x x
*hic*
village idiot :D
If you're now allowing her ad lib hay rather than letting another horse eat most of it she might well pick up. She's not got "redistributed fat" she's thin IMHO. You say her ribs and abdomen are well covered with fat, skin and winter coat but it doesn't look like it from your picture.
I'd use pink powder whilst she's on more hay than grass and make sure you are feeding the correct amount of calm and condition and alfa a for her weight.
Take another picture of her stood up in the same way each week and compare them to see if she is gaining any weight. If not you need a rethink.
I'd use pink powder whilst she's on more hay than grass and make sure you are feeding the correct amount of calm and condition and alfa a for her weight.
Take another picture of her stood up in the same way each week and compare them to see if she is gaining any weight. If not you need a rethink.
TGM
Well-Known Member
I agree from those photos she looks quite poor as you can see all her ribs quite clearly.
How long has she been on the ad lib hay? How much Calm and Condition (weight before soaking) and Alfa A Oil is she getting per day? How long has she been on this diet?
I would definitely recommend weigh-taping her once a week to monitor whether her condition is improving or not.
How long has she been on the ad lib hay? How much Calm and Condition (weight before soaking) and Alfa A Oil is she getting per day? How long has she been on this diet?
I would definitely recommend weigh-taping her once a week to monitor whether her condition is improving or not.
meesha
Well-Known Member
Just a thought if she was looking well before - could she be worrying the weight off as she is on her own ? I know that she has horses both sides but the whole mutual grooming/companionship thing is vital to horses - could you put her in with another horse again ?
Also check quality of your hay or switch to small bale haylage which will be good quality - introduce it gradually but you can build up to adlib hayalge.
Also worth checking her worm count and making sure she is getting full quota vits and mins - either pink powder or ring a helpline for advice - topspec/baileys etc.
Good luck x
Also check quality of your hay or switch to small bale haylage which will be good quality - introduce it gradually but you can build up to adlib hayalge.
Also worth checking her worm count and making sure she is getting full quota vits and mins - either pink powder or ring a helpline for advice - topspec/baileys etc.
Good luck x
be positive
Well-Known Member
She is poor, her ribs are clearly visable and her topline is not good. I would not want to be riding her, possibly some quiet walking, until she picks up.She also appears to have some muscle wastage behind her wither, worth getting her saddle and back checked.
There is no fat that could be covering her organs, I would question the YOs knowledge if they are happy to have a horse looking like this in November, if we get some bad weather she could really struggle to keep any condition on.
As has been suggested is she worrying, could she be cold at night maybe a warmer rug, feed 3 or 4 times a day if you can and look at giving haylage instead of hay.
There is no fat that could be covering her organs, I would question the YOs knowledge if they are happy to have a horse looking like this in November, if we get some bad weather she could really struggle to keep any condition on.
As has been suggested is she worrying, could she be cold at night maybe a warmer rug, feed 3 or 4 times a day if you can and look at giving haylage instead of hay.
TigerTail
Well-Known Member
From the pics she is underweight, ribs dont want to be visable.
The YO is correct in that horses first lose weight off their bums then necks then bellies because of keep internal organs warm - however the fat isnt redistributed it doesnt float about. Its the same reason why women struggle to lose weight off our tummies, nature preordained us to lose it there last to keep our eggs warm so we can still reproduce in order for our species to survive. However as has been said I'd be concerned about her weight going into winter like that.
Dont bother with pink powders (NAF) its full of fillers and binders and some very questionable ingredients if you read the label.
Horses are a herd animal and are a grazer so they need trickle feeding 24.7. A massive meal either end of the day is not healthy for their tummies and a sure way to induce colic or digestive problems.
Id be adding micronised linseed and a plain grass chop to her feed, plain grass so there is no mollasses/soy etc.
See link below for a good supplement not full of sweepings from the factory floor ala naff!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PRO-HOOF-...r_Equipment&hash=item415ecd69e0#ht_1400wt_953
The YO is correct in that horses first lose weight off their bums then necks then bellies because of keep internal organs warm - however the fat isnt redistributed it doesnt float about. Its the same reason why women struggle to lose weight off our tummies, nature preordained us to lose it there last to keep our eggs warm so we can still reproduce in order for our species to survive. However as has been said I'd be concerned about her weight going into winter like that.
Dont bother with pink powders (NAF) its full of fillers and binders and some very questionable ingredients if you read the label.
Horses are a herd animal and are a grazer so they need trickle feeding 24.7. A massive meal either end of the day is not healthy for their tummies and a sure way to induce colic or digestive problems.
Id be adding micronised linseed and a plain grass chop to her feed, plain grass so there is no mollasses/soy etc.
See link below for a good supplement not full of sweepings from the factory floor ala naff!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PRO-HOOF-...r_Equipment&hash=item415ecd69e0#ht_1400wt_953
Dizzydancer
Well-Known Member
I agree that in that picture if she were mine i would be very concerned about her going into winter like that. It is going to cost you alot of money if/when we get the cold weather we are promised.
Maybe she is worrying her weight off, does she stand around in the field looking unhappy? Try putting a nice companion with her and see if that helps.
I would also put a thicker rug on/add a neck to current MW rug. She needs you to keep her warm to prevent any of her feed intake being used to warm her up, she needs that to just get fat!!
Ensure you are feeding her the correct amount of hard feed, calm and condition is great for some horses aslong as fed at right amount. Can you feed haylage not hay Or a mix of the two? as that will help her more than hay.
Also i know its hard but i wouldnt ride her in that condition unless just a gentle plod out. She has poor musculature and will have to use alot of energy/condition to actually allow her to work.
Good luck weigh tape her regualrly and also take pics so you can spot any changes by a comparison!
Maybe she is worrying her weight off, does she stand around in the field looking unhappy? Try putting a nice companion with her and see if that helps.
I would also put a thicker rug on/add a neck to current MW rug. She needs you to keep her warm to prevent any of her feed intake being used to warm her up, she needs that to just get fat!!
Ensure you are feeding her the correct amount of hard feed, calm and condition is great for some horses aslong as fed at right amount. Can you feed haylage not hay Or a mix of the two? as that will help her more than hay.
Also i know its hard but i wouldnt ride her in that condition unless just a gentle plod out. She has poor musculature and will have to use alot of energy/condition to actually allow her to work.
Good luck weigh tape her regualrly and also take pics so you can spot any changes by a comparison!
AmyMay
Situation normal
Agree with the others who say she is poor.
If she's out 24/7 then really do ensure that she has access to hay at all times. And what is the grazing like?
I would certainly review what you are feeding her too. Calm and Condition is just rubbish (imo), I've never seen a horse do well on it.
If she's out 24/7 then really do ensure that she has access to hay at all times. And what is the grazing like?
I would certainly review what you are feeding her too. Calm and Condition is just rubbish (imo), I've never seen a horse do well on it.
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Poppys Nannan
Well-Known Member
Thanks for replies
The picture is just as her rug has come off but it does look worrying (hence the post) she is getting recommended amounts of CC and alpha a oil and now ad lib hay in her field.
Its interesting ro see differnece in opinions in different feeds and their outcomes but will re read and make a plan.
She is rugged with a heavy weight atm but no neck so will put neck on.
anymore thoughts welcome x x
The picture is just as her rug has come off but it does look worrying (hence the post) she is getting recommended amounts of CC and alpha a oil and now ad lib hay in her field.
Its interesting ro see differnece in opinions in different feeds and their outcomes but will re read and make a plan.
She is rugged with a heavy weight atm but no neck so will put neck on.
anymore thoughts welcome x x
lachlanandmarcus
Well-Known Member
Crikey Ive never heard anyone say that before - my previously colic prone horse has been virtually free of it from the day we started pink powder. Also vets (several different ones) have recommended it strongly. You use a very tiny scoop of it so cant have that much filler in it surely?
What exactly are the issues with it? ie what are the questionable ingredients and why are they questionable?
AmyMay
Situation normal
You may want to review your rugging as well - this may not be helping. It's not cold, and she may be too warm.
You need calories going in to her - and unless she's a silly madam, then conditioning fees should be fine. If you don't want to feed to much, you can always bulk it up with fibre cubes. Splitting her feeds in to three rations should help as well.
What is the grazing like??
ChristmasPixie
Well-Known Member
How about a feed balancer in addition to what everyone else has advised? I got my TB coming into the winter and was concerned he may lose weight through stress coming to a new home, especially just before winter (he came from a racing yard so didn't have a huge amount of weight already on him). I stuck him straight on blue chip and chaff and adlib hay/grazing and he has really flourised on it. Still on pretty much the same diet 2 years later and he has maintained a good weight all year round. His feet, coat etc etc have all drastically improved on it too.
Good luck!!
Oh and I know it sounds expensive, but when I looked at how much hard feed I would have to feed if I changed to that, it worked out the same-ish
Good luck!!
Oh and I know it sounds expensive, but when I looked at how much hard feed I would have to feed if I changed to that, it worked out the same-ish
Poppys Nannan
Well-Known Member
Grazing not good really. - Hence ad lib hay
I have been weigh taping her and she seems to stay the same, initially put on quite a bit but now more stable - perhaps she is worrying !! but we are too i will review her feeds and have been ringing feed lines currently A & P.
I would be interested in peoples opinions upon different feeds and their results.
Thanks for replies, she is a lovely, lovely horse and we couldn't bear her to be not right hence having increased her feeds a month or two ago and subsequently changed them.
Re think necessary, the kind and constructive words appreciated as we are trying to do our best x
many thanks
I have been weigh taping her and she seems to stay the same, initially put on quite a bit but now more stable - perhaps she is worrying !! but we are too i will review her feeds and have been ringing feed lines currently A & P.
I would be interested in peoples opinions upon different feeds and their results.
Thanks for replies, she is a lovely, lovely horse and we couldn't bear her to be not right hence having increased her feeds a month or two ago and subsequently changed them.
Re think necessary, the kind and constructive words appreciated as we are trying to do our best x
many thanks
AmyMay
Situation normal
Ok, so if the grazing isn't good I would suggest that you need to get her off it overnight at least, and stable her. It's obviously only going to get worse. Or better still, get her on to some decent winter grazing.
Feed wise, I'm a real fan of Dodson & Horrell Build Up and Alpha A Oil. My horse has always looked very, very good on it through the winter, and it's never seemed to make him hot - although he's exercised daily and is fit.
Have you also thought about haylage, rather than hay?
And does the field have a shelter?
Feed wise, I'm a real fan of Dodson & Horrell Build Up and Alpha A Oil. My horse has always looked very, very good on it through the winter, and it's never seemed to make him hot - although he's exercised daily and is fit.
Have you also thought about haylage, rather than hay?
And does the field have a shelter?
Poppys Nannan
Well-Known Member
We are actually going to be moving paddock to one with better grazing and a shelter this weekend - as are all her field mates etc.
But as this ia a move i am a bit worried about the changes on top of potential worrying not being in with her friend x x
thanks for replies x x
But as this ia a move i am a bit worried about the changes on top of potential worrying not being in with her friend x x
thanks for replies x x
AmyMay
Situation normal
That's great news about the better grazing. How will you manage with regards to feeding ad lib hay then?
It's wonderful that you and your daughters are such caring owners. Lucky mare, and lucky you for having such a nice horse.
It's wonderful that you and your daughters are such caring owners. Lucky mare, and lucky you for having such a nice horse.
Tickles
Well-Known Member
Poppys Nannan, it is so nice to see a poster taking on-board advice they have asked for. I can't see your pictures from my work PC so can't comment properly and am not a feeding expert anyway. But I wanted to say that this thread is a lovely example of a concerned owner posting with genuine concern for their animal and knowledgeable people on the forum offering constructive advice. Just the way it should be!
Best of luck getting some condition on your daughter's horse. I'm sure that is she has inherited/learnt much from you she will understand about not riding for a little while if it is in the best interests of the horse.
Best of luck getting some condition on your daughter's horse. I'm sure that is she has inherited/learnt much from you she will understand about not riding for a little while if it is in the best interests of the horse.
Poppys Nannan
Well-Known Member
The formation that the horses are in is staying the same just moving accross same big field into the rested paddocks but with the shelters.
I think i am a bit sad but i am really excited about having the shelter and have plans to put in treats and vegetables and anthing to feed her some more x x
I think i am a bit sad but i am really excited about having the shelter and have plans to put in treats and vegetables and anthing to feed her some more x x