Underweight horse!

[horses21]

I am thinking of getting a horse which is very underweight with no muscle and has bad condition fur etc.

Has anyone else been in this situation? and did they see a big change in the horse once it was good condition?

How long does it take to get a horse back upto weight and healthy?

 

[Birker2020]

It is rather like asking how long is a piece of string. It depends why the horse is underweight, ie does it have a disease/illness which is why it is not putting on weight. Is the lack of muscle tone because the horse has not been ridden for a while. Could it be that it has been ridden, but not ridden correctly? Does it not have muscle because of the way it is using itself due to pain or injury elsewhere in the body? Is its fur in bad condition because it has rainscald/mud fever or is it because it has mange or other skin condition? If you insist on buying this 'project' please ensure you get the animal vetted prior to purchase. Consult a qualified Equine Dentist to check its teeth (using a gag to reach the back teeth). Consult a feed manufactuer such as Baileys, or Spillers and ask their nutritionists for advice regarding feed. Get the physio or chiropractor (preferably chiropractor to start with) to check the horse out, and get a decent farrier to assess its feet. Make sure you have any saddle fitted to it by a qualified saddlefitter. If you are prepared to put in the time, money and effort that is needed for this animal, you could end up with a diamond, but make sure the animal is okay first. Good luck. xx

 

[horses21]

Thanks...

I dont think he has anything wrong with him.

He has been kept in a field with very poor grass and hasnt been ridden.

 

[HollyP]

I wouldnt think about riding him until he had put on weight and you've built up some muscle

I've found best thing is turnout, let the horse relax! then high fibre diet and pink powder and patiance helps!

Make sure you get lots of pics so you can compare how he develops over the coming year!

Good Luck!