Very lazy pony!!!

J

Jess&Berry

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My pony is very lazy at the moment. I'm not so sure what to do. She lives out currently and is ridden about 3 times a week sometimes more. I am thinking about beginning to feed her but I'm not sure what to feed her. She is certainly not underweight! Does anyone have any suggestions about what to do??? I have tried to keep it interesting for her by doing different things like hacking,jumping, flatwork, etc. but it doesn't seem to work. She lives out because there are no stables available at my livery yard. Any ideas on what to do???
 
She could just be unfit - you don't say what breed / type she is? Riding 3 times a week is fairly light work. Also perhaps if her winter coat is growing in she might be uncomfortable working in this warm autumn weather? lf she has to live out a full clip won't be an option - but she might benefit from a belly & bib. My first thought would not be to increase feed if she is already at or above a reasonable weight. Get her fit first and then see.
 
Okay thanks everyone but no she isn't overwieght nor looking rotund. It's strange because I wouldn't say she is particularly unfit. She is a Dartmoor x.
 
Do you have to work hard to kerp her moving?
Have you thoroughly checked that pony is sound? Often with lameness behind, this may not be picked up unless you lunge pony or get an experienced person to watch as you trot up.
With hind lameness aa horse may find it hard to walk out, for example the hocks are the equine equivalent of the human ankles so if there is pain or stiffness the animal will not usually want to move on well.
So, if lack of fitness and overweight is ruled out, then have you fully checked for soundness?
 
How old is she? How long have you had her?

My pony used to go "flat" in autumn, change of coat can affect them. I'd perhaps get some bloods done if lameness/pain is ruled out. Could be a sign of cushings maybe.
 
The Fuzzy Furry said:
Do you have to work hard to kerp her moving?
Have you thoroughly checked that pony is sound? Often with lameness behind, this may not be picked up unless you lunge pony or get an experienced person to watch as you trot up.
With hind lameness aa horse may find it hard to walk out, for example the hocks are the equine equivalent of the human ankles so if there is pain or stiffness the animal will not usually want to move on well.
So, if lack of fitness and overweight is ruled out, then have you fully checked for soundness?
Click to expand...

This - has she had any history of sub clinical laminitis (being "footy")? Mine did and was "lazy", and now I realise his feet just weren't comfortable. After an episode of acute lammi he is wearing heart bar shoes and has had 6 weeks of box rest - and he is walking out better than he has done for years.
 
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