Nudibranch
Well-Known Member
So after a tough last winter with a nasty virus, tie up and fairly dramatic loss of muscle, I managed to figure out what works for my mare. 8 yo Dales, unidentified myopathy. P1 negative. P3 and 4 in her bloodlines. So I thought I'd post it here in case it helps anyone else. By the way, the whole no grass thing does not work for her at all. Unfertilised, mixed but long and green grass keeps her going. Winter or parched summer grass is a definite problem, which suggests vitamin E is important.
Warmth - well rugged (she's clipped so full neck and 350g in the colder months).
Decent warm up in walk with opportunities to stretch. We only hack but over reasonable distances, lots of hills and challenging terrain, with fast work when she's up to it.
24/7 turnout with shelter. Minimal standing in although she is usually sleepy after a hack so I sometimes leave her in for a couple of hours while she dozes.
Feed - higher protein levels seem to be key so she has oats, copra and linseed. PE balancer and salt (she is definitely spooky without magnesium). FP vitamin E. 3-4000 seems to be enough for her although I add more before and after harder work. I also switch her salt to electrolytes when she's working hard, or when it's hot in summer. They definitely make a big difference to her energy levels. In the depths of winter I add in a first cut haylage to her hay ration.
Nothing there is difficult to implement but it works for her. Of course it could all change by next spring but I feel a bit more reassured that I have a plan going into winter.
Warmth - well rugged (she's clipped so full neck and 350g in the colder months).
Decent warm up in walk with opportunities to stretch. We only hack but over reasonable distances, lots of hills and challenging terrain, with fast work when she's up to it.
24/7 turnout with shelter. Minimal standing in although she is usually sleepy after a hack so I sometimes leave her in for a couple of hours while she dozes.
Feed - higher protein levels seem to be key so she has oats, copra and linseed. PE balancer and salt (she is definitely spooky without magnesium). FP vitamin E. 3-4000 seems to be enough for her although I add more before and after harder work. I also switch her salt to electrolytes when she's working hard, or when it's hot in summer. They definitely make a big difference to her energy levels. In the depths of winter I add in a first cut haylage to her hay ration.
Nothing there is difficult to implement but it works for her. Of course it could all change by next spring but I feel a bit more reassured that I have a plan going into winter.