My horse is a bit fat - will it hurt him??

[Starbucks]

I know you all stress out about horses being fat on here, so was just wondering what you'd think about Badger.

He's 16.3 IDxTB never really gets much top line unless he's really fat, which he's never really been before!

I haven't got any current pics but to give you an idea of his stamp..

This was him looking quite big bellied but this is just before he was off to do a PN event (and easily fit enough)

and this is him in winter skinny mode.. (we'd just fallen in a bog!)

Anyway he's quite lot fatter than in the first pic, he's got a very big belly, but actually looks quite good in his neck and bum now.

His field doesn't look great but he seems to be doing very well off it - I doubt he's at risk of getting laminitis?? So is he ok to be fat so he might get less skinny when he comes back into work - or not?

 

[LauraWinter]

I wouldn't of said he is a laminitis risk

 

[Starbucks]

Well you wouldn't think so would you!

But I'm sure there are reasons bigger horses shouldn't be big fatties? Or is it ok for a tempory holiday?

 

[LauraWinter]

I mean, not because he is big, its definitely a myth that only little pones get lami, but he just doesn't look that fat to me! Would say try and keep him as he is though. Nice horse btw

 

[Starbucks]

I know he's not fat in the pics, I haven't got any current ones and he's afair bit bigger now!

He looks quite normal just with a HUGE belly!

 

[LauraWinter]

Oh right, I thought that was him now....

Maybe he's in foal then if his belly is massive?

 

[Donkeymad]

The only time it is acceptable for any equine to be a little overweight is late autumn, going into winter.

 

[Starbucks]

I think if he didn't have a willy he would certainly pass for being in foal!!

I guess he's like one of those old men with a massive bear belly?

 

[Starbucks]

Not sure what to do with him then really. He's wouldn't look overweight if it wasn't for his belly, he doesn't have any of the other fat-score things.

Do you think he should come back home and stay in/go out in pretty bad field or stay there a bit longer? He was meant to be working but he's hurt himself so been off a few weeks - hence chubbyness - but will be worked lightly again soon.

 

[amycov]

Do you feed him? Is he stabled at night?

 

[Starbucks]

No, for the first time he's having a typical hunters summer - chucked out in the field!

 

[amycov]

You may need to reduce his grazing. Keep an eye on him with a weight tape. Nice looking lad.

 

[marmalade76]

If its just his belly then he's probably just bloated with grass. My pony looked like she was in foal so on sunday I put her in a smaller paddock and today she looked normal again. Have to admit my horse is a bit fat ATM.

 

[Starbucks]

Thank you!

I think they've eaten off all the spring grass, plus he's going to be back on work soon (the spack has fallen over and hurt his knees!

)

If he gets any bigger I'll move him home - it's nice to see him have some top line though!

 

[TGM]

Can you feel his ribs easily? If so, he is not overweight and just has a bloated belly from eating grass.

 

[mtj]

i think i've got his bay twin!

basically he needs to be doing some horsey tummy crunches. i realise this isn't going to help when he is out of work, but cantering on the bit is great for getting the abs working.

there is also a dvd available that does core work for horses from the ground, "Activate your horse's core" by Natalie Stubbs and Hilary Clayton. its very time consuming, but you do see dobbin's muscles moving

a physio has warned me that excessive grass bellies can increase a tendency to kissing spines, and obviously extra weight will exacerbate any respiratory or arthritic/tendon issues.