Taking horse off weight loss diet

[Sprogladite01]

May be a silly question, but my boy was hugely obese when he came to me. He's now lost loads of weight and is looking great, and with winter now I don't want any more weight to come off him. At the moment he's out all day and in at night with soaked hay. Is it just a case of stopping the soaking and seeing how he goes?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I was in a similar position with my Draft mare, although rather than soaking her hay, I had given her oat straw chaff toeat when she finisahed her hay ration, I just changed the ratio until I found the right balance to maintain her healthy weight.

 

[Leandy]

Yes, just gradual changes back to a normal diet over a couple of weeks.

 

[Carrottom]

I would be inclined to soak most of his hay for a short period time, about 15 mins, as his gut won't be used to dry hay. Then gradually increase the dry amount.

 

[Sprogladite01]

Thanks everyone must admit I am sooooo pleased the end is in sight when it comes to soaking hay!!