Weight Loss Tips?

[WaterHorse]

I have a loan horse (cob) he's huge!
He has just been in a field for a couple of months and just gained loads of weight.
- he's out 24/7 and only eats grass
- he's exercised 30 minutes 3-5 days a week.
Any tips for weight loss and fitness
Thanks

 

[be positive]

30 mins is hardly enough to either help with weight loss or fitness, he needs to gradually increase the exercise in both time and, as he gets fitter, intensity so he is more active, ideally at least 5 days a week otherwise he will not get fitter or lose weight. Build up how much time he spends walking and increase the trotting a little each day, once fit enough start cantering, lots of hacking, hillwork, get him out for an hour each time, longer some days and he should get fitter and lose weight.
If you can reduce the amount he eats that will also help, muzzle, time in or restricting the grass by strip grazing, if he is too fat his health will suffer, you need to get on top of the weight in every way you can.

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

I have a loan horse (cob) he's huge!
He has just been in a field for a couple of months and just gained loads of weight.
- he's out 24/7 and only eats grass
- he's exercised 30 minutes 3-5 days a week.
Any tips for weight loss and fitness
Thanks

Mine is over weight, my vet advised less grazing time (excise is problem due to recent tendon issue and my accident so could not ride)
and soaking his hay 24 hrs and recent visit she said he has lost weight

 

[teasle]

Go to the Blue Cross website and look at their fat horse slim download.

 

[Pingypo]

Reduce size of field for a while if possible to let grass be eaten down as much as possible and then start to move fence out everyday (afternoon/evening if possible because grass sugar level is lower) so that the field gets bigger again but horse isn't able to over eat and will gradually eat most of grass right down and keep on top of it.

30 minutes will do if that is all that can be managed but do try exercising for longer if possible. Do lots of trotting! Trotting is very good for fitness and weight loss. Walk first then try to do periods of trot for the whole ride with small breaks in between and maybe finish off with a canter, but trot is good for what you want. Also as 'be positive' said, try walking up hills lots as well as the trot work. Definitely don't jump thinking this is a workout because although it may tire the horse out, solid work such as trot will help the horse work it's muscles, build up a lot of fitness and hopefully help weight loss.

Definitely get started soon, weight gain in dangerous!
Good luck