Weight Problem

[clairemackie]

Hi my pony is over weight, I have the option of 4 hours turn out in the morning or turn out over night at my livery yard. Which is best for keeping his weight down?
Thanks

 

[Maisy]

What about overnight with a muzzle on??

 

[tazzsmum]

I'd go for the 4 hours in the day, sound better than the possible 12 or more hours he'd be out grazing over night.

 

[samuelhorse]

graze overnight IMO as they eat less anyway overnight, Good idea from Maisy - graze overnight with a muzzle on.
Thats what i would do with my boy in your situation anyway.

 

[sam72431]

I think that during the night the fructans (sorry about spelling)or sugars are higher over night so although they eat less it is lusher so it would probably be better to turn out in the day unless you muzzle over night. Also if he is in during the day he may sleep then and actually eat just as much at night!

 

[Nari]

I thought fructans were meant to be higher during the day?

 

[nadinek82]

They are higher during the day. It's definatley best to turn out at night if possible. A muzzle is a good idea aswell

 

[Daisy11]

they are defently higher through out day and not at night maybe section a bit off and put grazing mask on do you exercise him ? if you dont then even just lunging can make a difference

 

[classiclady]

My horse has a Greengaurd muzzle on during the day and it is taken off at night due to the fructans being higher during the day.

This keeps her weight down.

 

[clairemackie]

He is being exercised 2 times a day but would like him to be out longer if possible so might try putting him out at night and in during the day. Thanks

 

[sam72431]

oh i was pretty sure that recent research had found them higher during the night, must be wrong if everyone has said no to that oops

 

[Daisy11]

i would just section abit off
put his muzzle on
and keep him well exercised

 

[landyandy]

both my horses have weight problems, i bring them in every morning at 7am, they are rode later in the day and then turned back out around 8.30pm, while in the stable they have soaked hay.