Weight/size advice/crit?

[domane]

We bought Jack, passported as a Clydesdale, in Feb - a "tad" underweight!

He's around 16hh so I think he's a cross-breed (possibly Welsh D as he has a high head carriage????) as this makes him rather small for a pure Clydie but he's had access to Dr Green for a few months and his filled out nicely. Trouble is, although I've had Irish cob types before, I've not had one of Jack's height so it's unknown territory for me and I don't know when to say "Stop!" Would you say he looks good or a bit on the "pleasantly plump" (words of the day!) side?? He's not ridden much so I know he's lacking in topline muscle...

 

[ThePony]

What a gorgeous boy!

I wouldn't want to see anymore on him tbh. Although this isn't an english site, it is a super interesting PDF and lets you know where to look for fat deposits and mark his condition http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/98-101.htm

It looks like he doesn't have an apple bum atm, but I don't think it would take him much to get there. It is much healthier for horses (and us!) to tend towards the lean rather than 'comfortably covered' so long as the diet is balanced so I tend to err towards that with our girls.

 

[be positive]

H e looks great!
What a difference in only a few months.I would say he is fine and will muscle up as he gets more work.
Well done with him.

 

[Kadastorm]

what a beautiful boy! He looks lovely at the moment, i wouldnt let him put anymore on.

I love the last pic of him, he looks so happy and healthy. He was lucky to find you!

 

[Kenzo]

Orrr he's lovely!!!! what a difference too, looking fantastic.

 

[domane]

Ooh, thanks for the lovely compliments! He IS actually a lovely boy.... he was labelled as having an "attitude" and being stubborn - my non-horsey OH said from the word go that he thought Jack was misunderstood and we've been very gentle with him, firm but fair, given him lots of choices and he's blossomed like a flower for us - tries really hard and appears to really like us. OH has come back to riding (still a novice) and he and Jack have bonded so well that he's more OH's than mine now! I'm so glad we found him He's a great guardian for our two youngsters as well.

 

[tazzle]

when I saw the after pics I thought you had borrowed my welshie

not many pics where we can see the blaze properly without forelock in way but here is one......... even the side it "leans" to is the same !!!!

or here's a better one

so yes...... I do think you might be right that he is a clydie x welshie ...... especially after your description of his character ....."attitude" is certainly a welshie trait

You have done a brill job getting him back into good condition

I agree he is rounded and does not need any more weight on ...... if he is anything like Taz you will now need to be a "horrid" mummy and watch the amount of grazing he can have access too

wonderful pics....... glad you shared them

 

[Magicmillbrook]

Lovely boy, but definately agree he doesnt want any more weight. I would even go as far as saying he looks a trifle overweight. Its difficult to tell without putting your hands on and having a feel. My welsh c doesnt get an apple bottom but she feels like an overstuffed sausage with fat on her ribs and hips (when she is overweight!).

 

[Wagtail]

I think he's just perfect. Not under or overweight. He looks fabulous.

 

[Wagtail]

Just to say that an apple bottom does not necessarily mean overweight. My welshy X always has an apple bottom, even when you can see her ribs and she's competition fit.