Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Post Info TOPIC: Horse body condition


Well Schooled

Status: Offline
Posts: 61
Date: Nov 3, 2010
Horse body condition
Permalink Closed


I recently changed barns and am now "on my own" so far as feeding my horse.  The previous barn I was at he lived in a field (not much grass at all) and had access to an alfalfa bale.  He was not fed any grain.  He did gain weight when I purchased him and brought him there and at the previous owners farm was on grain once or twice daily and had access to hundreds of acres of great pasture.  Now that we are at the new place he has lost weight and I am increasing his grain since the pasture has died for winter.  I also feed him alfalfa cubes in addition to the grain.  I have been told by my previous trainer that he is too thin but those at my new barn say he is fine.  I did check a body condition scale and to me he seemed to rate at a four but I am used to the old farm where all the horses were very round and sometimes called fat.  I board with a vet and she thinks he is fine but I still feel his too thin for my liking.  Any suggestions?



__________________


Advanced

Status: Offline
Posts: 171
Date: Nov 3, 2010
Permalink Closed

Truthfully, most people have their horses a bit much on the fleshy side.

You say the pasture has died for winter, but he must be getting hay. Personally, I'd always opt for increasing hay first, then going for the grain and beet pulp.

__________________


Grand Prix

Status: Offline
Posts: 831
Date: Nov 3, 2010
Permalink Closed

I agree about increasing the hay. Is there hay available at the new barn? You only mention alfalfa cubes.
This weight management video from world horse welfare might be helpful.

http://www.barnmice.com/video/top-tips-for-managing-your



__________________

Equine-Thermal-Imaging-logo-Small.jpg

My Barnmice Page



Advanced

Status: Offline
Posts: 245
Date: Nov 3, 2010
Permalink Closed

Good quality hay is usually a better bet then grain, it is easier on digestion. Also, once he is muscling up you may be happier with his shape.

__________________
Horse-Hearted


Advanced

Status: Offline
Posts: 168
Date: Nov 3, 2010
Permalink Closed

I would go with what YOU feel comfortable, unless advised otherwise by a health professional. If your vet thinks he is a good weight, ask if it would harm him to put a little more on and if she says its fine...go for it.

The owners of the stable where I board think Lorenzo is too thin, but they are used to chubby ponies. Lorenzo has a nice layer of fat and muscle over his ribs and is certainly not underweight. He copes well with the work asked of him and the vet says he looks fit and is getting along fine.

Everyone will have on opinion on your horse, its up to you if you choose to take it on board or not :)

__________________
Lauren & Lorenzo
_______________________

LOVE ME, LOVE MY HORSE =]


Advanced

Status: Offline
Posts: 245
Date: Nov 3, 2010
Permalink Closed

Well said!

__________________
Horse-Hearted


Yearling

Status: Offline
Posts: 17
Date: Nov 7, 2010
Permalink Closed

If you can easily feel his ribs, but not see them, then I think he's fine. I agree with increasing his hay before increasing his grain. If your vet thinks he's fine, then her probably is. I think most people keep too much weight on their horses these days, and that's not good for them either.

__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.

Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse
Powered by ActiveBoard