Replacement for Micronized Linseed?

[Elsbells]

I have an x jumping mare just turned 12(happy birthday Elz x)who I've had on micronised linseed for 18 months. She has a stunning coat, moves well and is a lot happier on it and in herself but, she's gotten fat.

I'm cutting out the super rich haylage though sadly we have the grass to replace it and I ride her 5 or 6 times a week. Our school is being resurfaced so I've not been able to lunge in a long time although it hold be ready to go in a weeks time when I shall lunge 3 times a week.

She has a handful of chaff, small scoop of fibre nuts, mug of linseed, pro hoof and magnesium once a day, oh and she's out 24/7.

I dont want to stop the linseed as I'm sure she becomes stiff without it and very cross. I would like to try something else for the summer. She's never had the vet for any ailments or lameness in the 5 years I have owned her even though she was in pretty bad shape on day 1, so I must be getting something right. This yer though she is to fat and I worry. Can any of you diet gurus out there help me please.

I need a direction thanks.

 

[4x4]

Just an idea and I'm sure someone will shoot me down in flames but how about restricting the turnout for a few hours a day and cutting out the nuts?

 

[wallykissmas]

I would cut out the haylage , reduce grass intake and reduce her feed down to a mug if fastfibre once a day with any supplements needed.

 

[windand rain]

I would slowly switch to fast fibre and unmollassed chaff and keep the linseed but at a much lower level I believe for the coat and joint effect you only need an egg cup full, the mug full is for weight gain

 

[Elsbells]

And continue with the linseed?

I did do as suggested last year and it did work well. We just need some good hot weather so I can get her in for the days and out at night. She won't stay in on her own and at the moment all he yard is out and I only have her, so I'm unable to double up.

Haylage has run out so no more of that. I've cut the feed right back so i might as well cut out the nuts completely.

Thanks for the replies and I'll implement ASAP. She's going to hate me.

 

[Elsbells]

I would slowly switch to fast fibre and unmollassed chaff and keep the linseed but at a much lower level I believe for the coat and joint effect you only need an egg cup full, the mug full is for weight gain

I've just read this and thanks WR. I had no dea that just an egg cup full was enough!

 

[Boysy]

Yep you only need feed the Linseed at higher ratios for weight gain, mine have just the egg cup full all yr round. Drop the nuts out and if she won't eat the chaff on it's own, just get some sugar free apple juice to spice it up a bit.