now_loves_mares
Well-Known Member
My mare has been suffering from Colitis, and was colicking every time she had hay. She's had to be on box rest with a fractured pedal bone, so I've been managing to get her some grass in the garden (right next to the stable) but that's very sparse so more to occupy her time than fill her belly). I've now been allowed to start turnout. The field she is going in (as it's the flattest one, closest to the stable) has spring growth on it. I've been hand grazing her there for the last two weeks, up to half an hour at the most, 2 or 3 times a day.
I've had her out this morning for about 45 minutes but going to go and take her back in now. The colitis should hopefully be a lot better now, but there is no real way to know for sure until we see if she suffers from being out.
How quickly/slowly should I increase her time out? I know horses are designed to be trickle feeders, but I thought if I gave her gaps in between grass it will help me monitor how she is coping, and also reduce the risk of a gassy colic. She is on coligone and pink powder as well.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
I've had her out this morning for about 45 minutes but going to go and take her back in now. The colitis should hopefully be a lot better now, but there is no real way to know for sure until we see if she suffers from being out.
How quickly/slowly should I increase her time out? I know horses are designed to be trickle feeders, but I thought if I gave her gaps in between grass it will help me monitor how she is coping, and also reduce the risk of a gassy colic. She is on coligone and pink powder as well.
Thanks in advance for any advice!