WWYD/Say Horse loosing condition

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poiuytrewq

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My friends horse has dropped off a HUGE amount over winter. She's just come back into work and in all honesty I'd not be riding as she is. I hadn't seen them in a long time. Friend comments about how well she looks and how fat she is- Fact is that yes, she's pretty pot bellied looking but has absolutely zero top line and no muscle under the saddle left and actually I noticed, whilst looking at her back that the saddle is in fact rubbing badly, because of the massive change in shape. (there are bald bits visible just sticking out the back on the spine when the horse moves walking) I pointed this out saying that my own horse had the exact same thing and I'd not noticed it from the ground either (white lie) and suggested calling the saddle fitter to check. I fear it fell on deaf ears though. I don't want to over step the mark or stick my nose in but its quite bad looking. How can I politely and non offensivly bring it up in a slightly firmer or more noticable way?
 
poiuytrewq said:
My friends horse has dropped off a HUGE amount over winter. She's just come back into work and in all honesty I'd not be riding as she is. I hadn't seen them in a long time. Friend comments about how well she looks and how fat she is- Fact is that yes, she's pretty pot bellied looking but has absolutely zero top line and no muscle under the saddle left and actually I noticed, whilst looking at her back that the saddle is in fact rubbing badly, because of the massive change in shape. (there are bald bits visible just sticking out the back on the spine when the horse moves walking) I pointed this out saying that my own horse had the exact same thing and I'd not noticed it from the ground either (white lie) and suggested calling the saddle fitter to check. I fear it fell on deaf ears though. I don't want to over step the mark or stick my nose in but its quite bad looking. How can I politely and non offensivly bring it up in a slightly firmer or more noticable way?
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It's difficult, as I'm sure they are aware but owners like that won't admit it. A lady on our yard is worried her pony is underweight, after he went on the weighbridge and seen his weight was quite a lot (makes no sense)!
His crest is that hard, it drops to one side. We've told her numerous times, when she asks what our thoughts are. It's upto them to take action and change things, we can say it until we're blue in the face, I've learnt they won't listen.
 
How old is the horse? Pot bellied and no top line screams cushings to me.
I've massively struggled with my cushings mares weight this winter, she's starting to pick up now as I've slowly upped the fats/oils but her top line is still terrible. She's retired though. Certainly wouldn't be riding as she is
 
Can you prime a mutual friend to casually remark (before your friend says how 'fat' she's looking) something along the lines of "ooh poor lass, she's had a hard winter hasn't she! It's so difficult keeping poor doers isn't it?" that way friend hears how the horse looks to other people without being directly contradicted.
 
Could you ask something like, 'have you worm counted her' and comment that although the mare has a belly, her topline and muscle have gone? Of course it may not be worms, etc etc, but by saying that you can comment on the overall condition without a direct contradiction, and this might draw your friend's attention to the bits she isn't seeing. Or say something about the saddle rubs, which again doesn't directly contradict but might make her take a better look.
 
I'm not actually sure on age. I don't * think she's an older horse. In fact I think a lot younger than my retired who is only 14/15 I'm sure when we used to ride together mine was older.

We talked about worming actually. Just been wormed, I did mention the rubs, I was having a good look being a bit shocked when i first saw them to guage how bad it actually was thats when I noticed the sore amd suggested a saddle fitter.
@Tiddlypom I think if it worsened I'd do that but right now Id rather do it without any fall out or upset. I *hope* that when she untacked she had better look and something clicks.
 
We have a permanent problem (although it is ponies being far too fat all year round) where owners are either in denial, ignorant or just can't be bothered. No matter how tactfully they are told it is a complete waste of breath and energy. I do hope your friend did have a good look/decided to do something.
 
How good are you at basic saddle fitting? Could you offer to help? If it’s a lack of topline, padding out to replace the missing muscle and stop the rubbing would be better than leaving things as they are. Saddle would feel more stable too so friend would probably appreciate it once they feel the difference.

Then hopefully they would see why they need to call a professional in and do so.
 
Beyond commenting that the mare is looking rough, and hasn't wintered well, there isn't a lot you can do, unfortunately. Hopefully, the owner will engage with you and discuss plans for better diet/worming/cushings testing/dentistry. Would she notice if her horse was stood next to horses in better condition, so that she can compare?
 
I certainly couldn’t ride with anyone with a horse looking like that. I made my BIL take a horse away from my field as I said I wasn’t going to look at her all summer.
I’d say something, but it depends if your wish to be friends over comes your morals. (Not meant nastily).
 
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condition scoring? I prefer the 1-9 scoring system rather than the 0-5. Being a couple of points below ideal is often more of a wake up call than being the number below ideal (or above for that matter).

Do you feed a topline conditioning feed or linseed or anything for weight gain? if you do can you pop some back in the bag and give it to her next time you see her with a comment 'XXX has come off this now, but I thought it might help XXX gain a bit of topline after winter' - it doesn't have to be completely true but a passing comment to help sharpen her focus. Only need to be a couple of scoops worth. Don't hand it to her as she can refuse, just plonk it down, comment and move on.

Pop a polypad in the car and hand that to her when you see her next.
 
Do you use the same farrier/dentist/vet? Could you organise a routine visit and ask if she wants to share? Professionals are usually pretty good at voicing their opinions. In fact if she has the farrier/trimmer regularly, that person is the one who is most likely to express an opinion and hopefully get her thinking. I wouldn't rule out Cushings just because she's not very old.
 
dorsetladette said:
condition scoring? I prefer the 1-9 scoring system rather than the 0-5. Being a couple of points below ideal is often more of a wake up call than being the number below ideal (or above for that matter).

Do you feed a topline conditioning feed or linseed or anything for weight gain? if you do can you pop some back in the bag and give it to her next time you see her with a comment 'XXX has come off this now, but I thought it might help XXX gain a bit of topline after winter' - it doesn't have to be completely true but a passing comment to help sharpen her focus. Only need to be a couple of scoops worth. Don't hand it to her as she can refuse, just plonk it down, comment and move on.

Pop a polypad in the car and hand that to her when you see her next.
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She is very umm, I'm not sure the word! she feeds her way. Always lots of hay and fibre, well fed but maybe a great diet for a different type of horse.

I don't think the horse is that under weight as such I mean a bit more wouldnt go amiss but its coming into spring so I'd not be too worried about that side of it, more lacking any form of muscle along the back, of course I've not seen it without a saddle on so its hard to gauge.

I did offer a big sheepskin pad.
Midlifecrisis said:
In all honesty I’d keep your opinions to yourself because the messenger is always shot. It’s hard but unless you are directly asked say nothing.
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Agree, I psyched my self up once last year to speak to someone I didnt know but was looking after her horse for a few weeks whilst she was on holiday and honestly It made me feel guilty making it move- It was a long walk to the field and the horse was crippled. I felt sick about it. Spoke really nicely to her and had my head bitten off. I'd never have forgiven myself for not bringing that one up but no idea if they took anything on board of not. I like to hope she calmed down and looked at the picture again.


Pearlsasinger said:
Do you use the same farrier/dentist/vet? Could you organise a routine visit and ask if she wants to share? Professionals are usually pretty good at voicing their opinions. In fact if she has the farrier/trimmer regularly, that person is the one who is most likely to express an opinion and hopefully get her thinking. I wouldn't rule out Cushings just because she's not very old.
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No we don't I personally think her vet is next to useless and wouldn't use them if i was paid too. Farrier is a nice guy but the horse would always be rugged. No, having had a TB with cushings at 12 once myself I'd agree age isnt much of a factor. Horse is also pretty hairy.
 
Can't you just be straight with her?
Next time you see the horse just say something along the lines of

"Wow your horse really looks poor. She's had a tough winter, lost all her muscle. It's even causing the saddle to rub.
How has the vet advised you to get that back? Must be uncomfortable for her to carry a saddle in that state."

It's easier to be honest sometimes.
 
I did the "oh definitely needs the grass to come through doesn't he" comment to a friend. She was so used to dealing with fatties she hadn't appreciated how much he'd dropped off. It didn't help that you could still only just feel ribs - which was what she was checking - but he'd lost loads elsewhere. His bum looked scrawny.
 
Can you get a weighbridge visit to the yard? Feed company or BHS? They'll usually come FOC (or donation to charity) if enough horses to make the trip. They'll do a fat score as part of the visit - and whilst that is purely looking at fat cover not muscle, they'll no doubt comment on it?
 
Abacus said:
[...] comment that although the mare has a belly, her topline and muscle have gone?
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I was thinking something along these lines.

It won't sound like you are disagreeing with the friend if you point out the mare's big belly. Then you add in a normal voice that she might need worming.
 
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