Woofles
Member
There is a very skinny, ribs and spine clearly visible, horse at the livery yard I'm at. The owners are down every day and don't seem to think/See that it is skinny. What would you do?
Very skinny horse?
- Thread starter Woofles
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PinkvSantaboots
Well-Known Member
Who owns or runs the yard? They have a duty of care I would speak to them first about it.
Lipglosspukka
Well-Known Member
Depends on the extent of how skinny it is.
Some conditions require a horse to be kept lean for welfare reasons. Assuming it's not emaciated and is just a bit skinnier than I would expect to see and is being fed, then I would just monitor from afar and on the most part, mind my own business.
Some conditions require a horse to be kept lean for welfare reasons. Assuming it's not emaciated and is just a bit skinnier than I would expect to see and is being fed, then I would just monitor from afar and on the most part, mind my own business.
windand rain
Well-Known Member
If you are certain it is skinny and not supremely fit then make comment otherwise as long as it is not ill, skeletally thin or obviously in pain I would leave well alone. Too many obesely fat horses about which are rarely commented on
Casey76
Well-Known Member
The horse may be aged, or have some other medical condition and under vet care, and yet still can’t gain weight.
‘His owner may be doing their utmost to maintain his weight.
‘His owner may be doing their utmost to maintain his weight.
meleeka
Well-Known Member
I’d ask the livery owner what’s going on. It’s down to them really to say something.
stormox
Well-Known Member
Some horses, like some people, just dont put on weight. If its healthy in every other way - bright eyes, pink gums, lively - I wouldnt worry. Most people have their horses overweight these days.
Flyermc
Well-Known Member
Does the horse have access to food or is it stood regularly for long periods with nothing? Also is t a type/breed that is naturally leaner?
kc921
Well-Known Member
My horse suddenly lost weight due to health issues 2 years ago.
The yard I was on was full of "busy bodies" who got involved and contacted the YO, YO called me into her office and was claiming I'm wasn't looking after my horse and that he was too skinny, she was very passive aggressive towards me.
I reassured her that I already knew this and was working with my vets about the best options to help him put on weight while he was unwell. I got my vets to contact the YO as well.
Considering how upset and stressed I already was with my horse being unwell, that was just extra unnecessary stress and made me extremely upset to the point where once he was better I moved yards. He got back into perfect shape after 2 to 3 months.
In my own opinion if the horse is being fed every day, hayed daily and you see the owners every day as well, stay out of it.
The yard I was on was full of "busy bodies" who got involved and contacted the YO, YO called me into her office and was claiming I'm wasn't looking after my horse and that he was too skinny, she was very passive aggressive towards me.
I reassured her that I already knew this and was working with my vets about the best options to help him put on weight while he was unwell. I got my vets to contact the YO as well.
Considering how upset and stressed I already was with my horse being unwell, that was just extra unnecessary stress and made me extremely upset to the point where once he was better I moved yards. He got back into perfect shape after 2 to 3 months.
In my own opinion if the horse is being fed every day, hayed daily and you see the owners every day as well, stay out of it.
IveRunOutOfNamesToThinkOf
Well-Known Member
It’s good you are concerned, but as others have said you don’t know the circumstances. Maybe just mention it to the livery owner in passing?
Woofles
Member
The livery owner is aware. When I say skinny, I don't mean a bit lean, I mean every rib visible, the spine clearly visible. I keep my horses on the lean side as it's not healthy for horses to be overweight. This is almost a fur covered skeleton. It has not seen the vet.
AmyMay
Situation normal
What had your YO said about the situation?
Meowy Catkin
Meow!
In that case I would contact world horse welfare or the BHS welfare team.
PinkvSantaboots
Well-Known Member
If the yo is not willing to step in I would report it.
PurBee
Well-Known Member
If the horse looks truly as emaciated as you describe, and you know the owner would not be happy being asked about their horse, i’d certainly ask the YO, as they are ‘responsible for/manage’ all liveries, and it may well be the horse has health issues being treated you are unaware of.
You say it hasnt seen a vet.. How would you know? Are you there on site 24/7?
So rather than potentially upset the owners, you could ask the YO if the horse is being treated for it’s loss of weight.
Tricky situation as anyone would be concerned about an animal looking unwell. We dont want to interfere yet we know that on some yards blind eyes are turned while issues are being caused. The horses end up suffering for blind-eyes, so its wise to enquire with someone, owner or the main manager of the yard about your concerns.
I know if my horse looked rough and other owners were concerned, id want people to directly ask me whats wrong, but i would understand their concern for horses, and wouldnt take offence with them enquiring. I’d take offence only if they disagreed with my treatment plan and were bitching about me while i was working hard on getting my horse better!
Its not nice to gossip and i prefer direct communication.
Its hard to know how another owner would feel. Be kind and supportive if you approach them…it’s all for the love of horses afterall.
You say it hasnt seen a vet.. How would you know? Are you there on site 24/7?
So rather than potentially upset the owners, you could ask the YO if the horse is being treated for it’s loss of weight.
Tricky situation as anyone would be concerned about an animal looking unwell. We dont want to interfere yet we know that on some yards blind eyes are turned while issues are being caused. The horses end up suffering for blind-eyes, so its wise to enquire with someone, owner or the main manager of the yard about your concerns.
I know if my horse looked rough and other owners were concerned, id want people to directly ask me whats wrong, but i would understand their concern for horses, and wouldnt take offence with them enquiring. I’d take offence only if they disagreed with my treatment plan and were bitching about me while i was working hard on getting my horse better!
Its not nice to gossip and i prefer direct communication.
Its hard to know how another owner would feel. Be kind and supportive if you approach them…it’s all for the love of horses afterall.