summer management & a few other things

[googol]

Just wondering how u all manage ur fatties through the summer?I try to bring mine in off the grass for at least4 hrs but I don't give him any food during that time which I know isn't ideal. I can't give him Hay at all because of his RAO and I don't want to give him Hayledge as I feel it defeats the purpose of him being in off the grass! I give him a small amount of simple systems Timothy chop before I ride so he's not on an empty stomach. Is that suitable? He is fed a small amount of simple systems just grass,a handful of spillers coolmix and 3/4mug Micronised linseed once per day.Also. .. I'm starting a new farrier from this month,he is highly recommended but I know that doesn't always count for everything. How do I judge him? Do I wait and see what job he does?I'm not confident I will know if it's good or bad. I'm thinking of just asking him to explain everything to me?I do alot of reading but am by no means an expert. I am changing because I'm not 100%happy with current farrier.*Lastly,sometimes when at rest my horse doesn't stand completely Square, it's like he points a toe(easiest way to explain). So if he is resting his left hind for example, his right fore is slightly infront of his left. He is definitely sound,I do fortnightly thorough checks on hard ground,soft ground,and circles(v paranoid owner)does he just like to stand like that and I should accept it?Thanks in advance!

 

[d_morrow]

If you don't give him any food when he is standing in he will only make up for it when you turn him out again, so it's pointless - and not ideal as you say. Is there any reason why you can't feed soaked hay? If he has RAO you should soak his hay for at least 30 mins. If you want to remove more of the sugars from the hay you can soak it for longer.
Why are you giving him feeds if he is a fatty to the point that he needs his turnout restricting? If it is to carry suppplements you could swap to Allen and Page Fast Fibre which is low sugar and low starch. Also - 3/4 mug of linseed may be a bit much. 1/4 of a mug would probably be sufficient for coat health/joints etc.

You don't say why you are unhappy with your current farrier, but if the new one is highly recommended that is a good start. From what you describe I would say that your horse is not pointing toe - that is what he is doing when he rests his hind leg, but while this is is normal for a hind, it is not normal for a fore foot. Horses don't always stand square and if he is resting a hind then he will position the remaining feet to achieve the correct balance. I think you are worrying too much!