Rescuing emacaited pony, help needed.

L

Lukey

Member
Joined
11 December 2014
Messages
25
Visit site
I am going to be rescuing an emaciated pony, I have carried out many rescues before but usually a sanctuary take them for me, Can't reveal which for certain purposes.

The body score of this horse I am going to be rescuing is about 1. So, pretty badly emaciated, she currently stands and around 7hands, she is the sweetest thing I have ever met. I am buying it off the owner, he doesn't have a clue to what I am doing, I am also taking another horse of him, a 2 year old colt, which also, a very loving horse to my surprize.

First of all, what would be the best food to feed the pony? The price isn't a question, I just want to best food for it. I have heard allen&page fast fibre is particularly good.

The owner does feed his horses a bale haylage once a week shared between 6, with little to no grazing, The owner didn't provided haylage for 8 days once, I feed them every day with Baileys horse and pony mix and apple chaff. I am only 16(17 in 3 weeks :D), I spend my life savings for these horses, when other boys my age are saving for cars, but I'd rather do what I am doing.

any ideas/suggestions are welcome! :)

Luke
 
Lukey said:
I am going to be rescuing an emaciated pony, I have carried out many rescues before but usually a sanctuary take them for me, Can't reveal which for certain purposes.

The body score of this horse I am going to be rescuing is about 1. So, pretty badly emaciated, she currently stands and around 7hands, she is the sweetest thing I have ever met. I am buying it off the owner, he doesn't have a clue to what I am doing, I am also taking another horse of him, a 2 year old colt, which also, a very loving horse to my surprize.

First of all, what would be the best food to feed the pony? The price isn't a question, I just want to best food for it. I have heard allen&page fast fibre is particularly good.

The owner does feed his horses a bale haylage once a week shared between 6, with little to no grazing, The owner didn't provided haylage for 8 days once, I feed them every day with Baileys horse and pony mix and apple chaff. I am only 16(17 in 3 weeks :D), I spend my life savings for these horses, when other boys my age are saving for cars, but I'd rather do what I am doing.

any ideas/suggestions are welcome! :)

Luke
Click to expand...

Well done for caring and having an interest, at your age as you say most boys would prefer to be on wheels.

The pony is obviously going to be very small so should put weight on fairly easily once she is with you, I would be very careful about feeding her to start with, if she has been used to getting some hay or haylage then start with letting her have access to some at all times, combined with grass it may well be all she needs to improve, if you want to feed her a small amount each day that is fine but do make sure it is very small, just a tiny handful of soaked fast fibre so you dont risk upsetting her tummy too much, we are heading towards spring so as long as you can get her looking a little healthier by the time the grass comes through you should be able to see a real difference in a short time, being overweight can be more harmful than being under so let the weight come on very slowly and over the summer you will probably be thinking she is getting too fat, little ones do seem to survive on thin air.

The other thing that needs doing is worming, she probably has never been done and with a worm burden pulling her down she will struggle to pick up even with some decent food going in to her, she will also require a tetanus jab, again probably not been done and absolutely essential, they need two jabs about a month apart, something else to factor in to the expenses, they are never ending especially when you have more than one pony.
 
be positive said:
Well done for caring and having an interest, at your age as you say most boys would prefer to be on wheels.

The pony is obviously going to be very small so should put weight on fairly easily once she is with you, I would be very careful about feeding her to start with, if she has been used to getting some hay or haylage then start with letting her have access to some at all times, combined with grass it may well be all she needs to improve, if you want to feed her a small amount each day that is fine but do make sure it is very small, just a tiny handful of soaked fast fibre so you dont risk upsetting her tummy too much, we are heading towards spring so as long as you can get her looking a little healthier by the time the grass comes through you should be able to see a real difference in a short time, being overweight can be more harmful than being under so let the weight come on very slowly and over the summer you will probably be thinking she is getting too fat, little ones do seem to survive on thin air.

The other thing that needs doing is worming, she probably has never been done and with a worm burden pulling her down she will struggle to pick up even with some decent food going in to her, she will also require a tetanus jab, again probably not been done and absolutely essential, they need two jabs about a month apart, something else to factor in to the expenses, they are never ending especially when you have more than one pony.
Click to expand...

Thank you for taking your time to type the helpful response,

I was thinking of carrying on giving her what she has been used to, Haylage, but my problem would be that a large bale would go off before the pair of them would consume it? It would probably take the pair a good two weeks if not more to eat a round bale with the addition of grazing as well, Which by then it would of gone off? I presume horsehage(20kg bag) would be alright? I have bought a Countrywides cheap 20kg haylage before for other neglected horses, but it had a lot of mould on it, which I understand isn't good for them. My friends Shetland is like whale, And she hardly feeds him anything! but he does have a lovely thick winter coat.

Worming is one of the first things I'm going to be doing, Before I knew the colt I was having was a colt, I thought he was heavily pregnant mare, Turns out he's actually full of worms! dread to see what he's like after he's been wormed!
I highly doubt the owner, who is from the travelling community has never had her and the colt wormed or had the tetanus jabs, Do you know roughly how much all 4 jabs would cost?
Sorry for all the questions! You've been a great help already, Thank-you!

Luke
 
I too, would just start off with grass and ab lib hay. If she's only small then they may not get through the haylage quick enough. Hay may be kinder on her tummy if you're worming her too. With the worming I would seek advice from your vet. I have semi-feral stock that comes off the forest, I do a "softer" wormer like Strongid-P to first of all, then ivermectin based a couple of weeks later.

The jabs cost about £30 each, then you'll need to add on visit. My last bill for a flu/tet booster was £40.

Well done to you too for caring. I admire you for it.
 
Peregrine Falcon said:
I too, would just start off with grass and ab lib hay. If she's only small then they may not get through the haylage quick enough. Hay may be kinder on her tummy if you're worming her too. With the worming I would seek advice from your vet. I have semi-feral stock that comes off the forest, I do a "softer" wormer like Strongid-P to first of all, then ivermectin based a couple of weeks later.

The jabs cost about £30 each, then you'll need to add on visit. My last bill for a flu/tet booster was £40.

Well done to you too for caring. I admire you for it.
Click to expand...


Hay would be easier for me get because I can get it 30kg bales, Feed shop is only down the road from my field as well. I'm not sure what our vet stocks regarding the wormer, will have to check this. I know I can get the ivermectin based stuff.

The vet is my fathers friend, usually doesn't charge for visits for us thankfully!

Aw thank-you, been doing it since I was 13, Enjoyed everyday out and about looking into things. Thanks for help, appreciate it! :)
 
The cost of the jabs will vary depending on how much you pay for call out, many vet now do zone days where they do not charge for the travelling, it makes a real difference so look into that, you will probably need to passport them and get micro chips done, so contact vets and ask for a quote to do it all in one go if you can as it may save you in the long run.

A large bale will probably be ok for 2 -3 weeks in the colder weather, not in summer as it will go off in days, it may be more cost effective initially rather than buying the small bales or just get in a big bale of hay, if they are very hungry they will eat one small bale in a day or two, even if you end up wasting some of the big bale it will work out cheaper for the next month or two until the grass picks up.

More expense to factor in, sorry, the colt will need gelding if he is going to live with the filly, they can be sexually active as yearlings and you dont want to run the risk of another arrival in a year or so, another thing to discuss with the vet, good luck with them you are taking on a huge commitment.
 
Last edited:
Hi Luke
You have some good advice already on here so I just wanted to say what a fantastic job your doing and how wonderful that you care so much! Well done you!! x
 
be positive said:
The cost of the jabs will vary depending on how much you pay for call out, many vet no do zone days where they do not charge for the travelling, it makes a real difference so look into that, you will probably need to passport them and get micro chips done, so contact vets and ask for a quote to do it all in one go if you can as it may save you in the long run.

A large bale will probably be ok for 2 -3 weeks in the colder weather, not in summer as it will go off in days, it may be more cost effective initially rather than buying the small bales or just get in a big bale of hay, if they are very hungry they will eat one small bale in a day or two, even if you end up wasting some of the big bale it will work out cheaper for the next month or two until the grass picks up.

More expense to factor in, sorry, the colt will need gelding if he is going to live with the filly, they can be sexually active as yearlings and you dont want to run the risk of another arrival in a year or so, another thing to discuss with the vet, good luck with them you are taking on a huge commitment.
Click to expand...

I think you replied before you saw my post above, sorry about that! I think the vet will charge minimal charge like I said due to him being closed friends with my dad and the horses being rescues. Fingers crossed!

That us true, the bigs bales of haylage are £35 down here, The smaller bales like horsehage are £7! Glad you pointed that out to be honest.

The colt will defo being getting gelded, as for the first time today, he was showing interest in an mare at the owners field! I'd dread if he bred with any of them because there all much smaller than him! I defo don't want it breeding with the little one I'm taking! I know I am taking on a huge commitment, but It's worth it! even if they make me skint!

Thanks for all your help again! :)
 
I just checked the price of tetanus jabs, my vets charge £20, no call out on zone days, I see you have a friendly vet who doesnt charge, very useful as you will be seeing a bit of him over the coming months!!
 
Lilchunk said:
Hi Luke
You have some good advice already on here so I just wanted to say what a fantastic job your doing and how wonderful that you care so much! Well done you!! x
Click to expand...

Hello,

Aw thank-you for saying those nice things, I appreciate it! :) I will add pictures of her when I get her for all you to see! :) Thanks again! :)
 
be positive said:
I just checked the price of tetanus jabs, my vets charge £20, no call out on zone days, I see you have a friendly vet who doesnt charge, very useful as you will be seeing a bit of him over the coming months!!
Click to expand...

That's not that bad then, Thought they'd cost a lot more!
The vet is friendly due to the fact we take most of the wildlife he gets taken in and we foster them! Nothing comes free ;) Haha!

Thanks again! :)

Luke
 
Didn't want to read and run.

It sounds like you are doing a fantastic job, for the ponies and the wildlife. Best of luck Luke, keep it up and let us know how you get on.
 
Luke, what an amazing job you are doing for these horses. I would steer clear of giving her haylage as the wee ones don't cope very well with it, hay is indeed much kinder to their tummies (we have a wee herd), if you would like to PM me with an address to post some things, I would like to donate some shetland sized headcollars to you (and anything else small I can find that is spare). Sorry but the motherly aspect is coming out in me..... Perhaps check with your parents first that they don't mind you PM-ing me your home address to a stranger and for safety maybe I can post it to someone's work address instead.

Bless you for the wonderful job you are doing for these horses. :)
 
3OldPonies said:
Didn't want to read and run.

It sounds like you are doing a fantastic job, for the ponies and the wildlife. Best of luck Luke, keep it up and let us know how you get on.
Click to expand...

Aw thank-you for the lovely comments, I will do what I am doing till the day I die, Believe me! :p I will update this thread as things progress :)

Luke


Princess Rosie said:
Luke, what an amazing job you are doing for these horses. I would steer clear of giving her haylage as the wee ones don't cope very well with it, hay is indeed much kinder to their tummies (we have a wee herd), if you would like to PM me with an address to post some things, I would like to donate some shetland sized headcollars to you (and anything else small I can find that is spare). Sorry but the motherly aspect is coming out in me..... Perhaps check with your parents first that they don't mind you PM-ing me your home address to a stranger and for safety maybe I can post it to someone's work address instead.

Bless you for the wonderful job you are doing for these horses. :)
Click to expand...

Thank-you for the wonderful comments! :) I was thinking going for hay instead of haylage due to the fact some people on here have suggested it and I can fit a small bale in my car, thankfully! :')
Aw thank you very much for the offer, Myself, My parents and the pony would appreciate it! I will pm you with my Home address, Do you want me to pay postage? No problem if so :)

Thank you very much again! :)

Luke
 
bless you Lukey, how good are you!

I don't have anything to add beyond the good advice you've already been given really.

Are their coats in good condition or are they showing signs of lice, rain scald, mud fever etc? I guess you might not know at the moment, but they are things to be careful of, and mindful of checking for once you get them home and onto some good hay. These sorts of things can soon sap the energy of a pony as their body tries to deal with that, as well as a worm burden and everything else! I'm sure your friendly vet will be able to advise you though :)

you're a credit to your family :)
 
JenHunt said:
bless you Lukey, how good are you!

I don't have anything to add beyond the good advice you've already been given really.

Are their coats in good condition or are they showing signs of lice, rain scald, mud fever etc? I guess you might not know at the moment, but they are things to be careful of, and mindful of checking for once you get them home and onto some good hay. These sorts of things can soon sap the energy of a pony as their body tries to deal with that, as well as a worm burden and everything else! I'm sure your friendly vet will be able to advise you though :)

you're a credit to your family :)
Click to expand...

Thank you for the lovely comments, Much appercaited! :)

They sadly do have rain scald, which is a shame, but it isn't that bad thankfully. They will probably have lice, but haven't checked as of yet. Also they may have mud fever due to them being in mud 24/7, because they never leave the bale/gate, so the mud is pretty bad. I will have the vet check her out properly when I get her.

Once again, thanks a lot for the wonderful comments and help! :)

Luke
 
well done on taking them in. It might be good to talk to your vet about worming and feeding programmes. I got a rescue in whole was that thin and we had to progress very slowly with feed. He also needed an extra gentle herbal wormer as a normal one would have been too strong on him. He was also only able to eat basic small beetpulp meals for a while and then normal feed was mixed in. I was advised to keep him on hay instead of haylage at the start as well.

Best of luck with them!
 
paddi22 said:
well done on taking them in. It might be good to talk to your vet about worming and feeding programmes. I got a rescue in whole was that thin and we had to progress very slowly with feed. He also needed an extra gentle herbal wormer as a normal one would have been too strong on him. He was also only able to eat basic small beetpulp meals for a while and then normal feed was mixed in. I was advised to keep him on hay instead of haylage at the start as well.

Best of luck with them!
Click to expand...


Thanks for the nice comment :)

I will write everything down that I need to ask the vet and I'll go and see him soon.
I've been discussing the use of herbal wormers with my parents, what one would you recommend?
I was thinking of giving it small feeds of A&P Fast Fibre as I've heard it is very good for thin horses/ponies. I think it will hay then! :)

Thanks for the help! :)

Luke
 
Oh how I wish more young people were like you, good on you and I admire you for what you are doing. :)
Haven't any advise to add really as its been covered but yes please do post some pics and updates it would be nice to see how they get on.
 
thatsmygirl said:
Oh how I wish more young people were like you, good on you and I admire you for what you are doing. :)
Haven't any advise to add really as its been covered but yes please do post some pics and updates it would be nice to see how they get on.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the lovely comment, means a lot! :)
I shall upload pictures and post regular updates as the days go on,

Thanks again,

Luke
 
I love that you care about these horses but please do not take on more than you can cope with and afford yourself (I notice you were looking for grazing and asking about land for 6 rescued ponies previously)

While others may disagree I also cant help feeling that you shouldn't be feeding someone else's horses especially on what could be a high sugar and starch diet.

Unless you are in a position to afford these and have decent back up it may be worth getting a welfare agency involved rather than taking on the burden of these ponies yourself

I wish you all the very best, a loving and giving heart is a lovely thing but sometimes its worth bearing in mind that there may be limitations - money being a big one
 
WelshD said:
I love that you care about these horses but please do not take on more than you can cope with and afford yourself (I notice you were looking for grazing and asking about land for 6 rescued ponies previously)

While others may disagree I also cant help feeling that you shouldn't be feeding someone else's horses especially on what could be a high sugar and starch diet.

Unless you are in a position to afford these and have decent back up it may be worth getting a welfare agency involved rather than taking on the burden of these ponies yourself

I wish you all the very best, a loving and giving heart is a lovely thing but sometimes its worth bearing in mind that there may be limitations - money being a big one
Click to expand...


I do appercaite what you are saying but I have sorted everything out, present and future, including money wise. I put up the thread regarding the 6 ponies because I was intailly going to take all 6 ponies off the owner, but I decided just to take the 2 worst ones, Which are the 2 I am on about within this thread.
The land thread I but up looking for addtional grazing for winter if needed or for baling hay(We know a lot of farmers)

Most of the vet treatment will probably be of no cost because he is very good friends with us, if he does charge, it will be minimal costs.

I have been feeding these horses for 2 months, I was keeping them alive because the owner has only been provided haylage lately, If it wasn't for me, I can honestly say that pony I am taking would of died. The feed I am feeding them has been advised to me by a person very high up in animal Welfare.

I work very closely with a well-known animal sanctuary, they have taken many horses in worst state off me, particularly the same owner of these. The RSPCA don't want to know.

I do appercaite what you are saying and I know were you coming from.

Thanks for being concerned.

Luke
 
Here is a picture of her a week ago, They currently don't have a bale. This picture doesn't show the true extent of how emaciated she is.


 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top