Horse people - need some advice

[SRP]

I know there are a few of you out there! Here's the problem. I have a rather overweight horse. I know the answer is the same as for us humans - exercise more and eat less. But it's not as easy as it sounds.

She's 9 yrs old and in her prime. However, her pasture buddy is an 18-yr old mare who is definitely showing her age. The two are quite attached to each other. In the past, when I had an overweight horse, I'd simply stable him/her overnight and then let him/her out to pasture during the day. But Alaska, the older mare, can't afford to be stabled. She looks good right now, and I want to keep as much weight on her as I can, because she always loses a lot during the winter, no matter how much I feed her.

I haven't yet tried it, but I kind of expect one of two things if I only stable Starry (the fat one). Either Alaska will hang out around the barn all night and not eat because she doesn't want to be alone, or she'll decide to leave, and then Starry will pitch a fit and try to kick the barn down, because she doesn't want to be alone!

I may try it this weekend anyhow, just to see what happens.

Question 1: If I try this alternative, I will probably give Alaska extra feed (senior horse variety). How much do you think I should give her each night? She's an Appaloosa/Belgain cross, and is pretty darned big.

Next - exercise. I simply don't have time to work with Starry during the week. These horses get NO exercise. Now, knowing it's for her health, I can probably manage it on the weekend. So that's just two times a week.

Question 2: will 2x/week make a difference? Or am I just setting myself up for more problems/injuries by working her hard and then giving her an extended rest during the week?

I probably sound like some idiot who shouldn't own a horse. But I promise I'm not... I just can't figure out a way around this particular situation. Thanks!

 

[carolynjane]

Hi Shannon,

I'm not a horse person, but my sister is. She has been working with horses for over 35 years, so I sent your question to her.

Here is her advice:

First, leaving a fat horse on pasture all day and night with little exercise is risking founder - which is extremely painful and expensive. So here are my recommendations:

1. Don't put Starry in a stall - get a grazing muzzle - she can still be out with Alaska and graze, but won't be getting much at all. I would recommend taking it off at night - she won't be eating as much at night and will be sleeping.I used to use them on my horse Tango when the grass would first come in in the Spring because it was so thick he would get fat and risk founder.
2. As far as exercise - a little is better than none - but don't overwork her on the weekends. You'll risk her tying up at the worst and being sore the rest of the week at the least.
I would recommend trying to find some horse-crazy teenager who can come out a couple of times a week and lunge her (not long - maybe 20 minutes at a time). There is always one around who would do it just for the experience and you wouldn't have to pay. That would be four days of exercise and with two of them during the week being on the lunge, she should be good to go on the weekends.

 

[SRP]

Carolynjane -
Thanks a lot, and tell your sister thanks too! Yes, I know about founder, and that's one of my concerns. So far, she's okay, but it's just a matter of time.

I've never heard of a grazing muzzle, but I will definitely check into it! I assume she can still drink with it on, right?

 

[carolynjane]

Hi again!

I just emailed my sister to ask her about drinking with the muzzle. I also asked her if she knows a website where you can order one.

Will be back as soon as I hear from her!

 

[carolynjane]

Hi Shannon!

Just heard back from my sister. Here's what she said:

Yep, she'll be able to drink. Actually, she'll still be able to graze, but just get like one blade of grass at a time, instead of a mouth full. So she still has the grazing experience and it doesn't give her stress.

The cheapest one I've found is at Dover Saddlery. doversaddlery.com - its $44.99 - Item #: X1-1725
and it attachs to the halter.

She said if you have other questions, feel free to email her at [email protected].

Hope this helps!

Carolyn

 

[SRP]

Carolyn, I really appreciate this. Thanks so much!!

I did a quick search myself, and they look pretty neat. Tell Linda thank you!