over weight mini

Hi, I am a new horse owner. I bought my 14 year old miniature horse in October. She is a little hefty and the former owners visited 2 days ago and they think she has gained since I have had her. They suggested I stop all grain. I live in Maine so for the past week or so she has had to start eating hay as the grass is all gone. I was walking alot with her but now it is so dang cold and windy, that she is not getting as much exercise. She has a little barn and pasture and is free to go in and out as she wants. I have read on here that they need their hay in order to be warm, but should I limit her hay also? I love her so much and will do what is best for her. Thanks.

I have a couple that are on hay only.
With a mineral block. They are great.
If they start getting overweight on hay 24/7 I'll move them so I can put a limit on it

She has a salt block and a mineral block available to her. I am hoping the lack of green grass and grain will be enough to slim her down a bit.

I personally only give grain to my hard keepers or horses that are worked a lot.
(and the babies).
But there's no reason to IMO if they don't really need it.

You can use a muzzle (do they make any for minis anyway?) or one of those nets that doesn't allow to eat hay fast.

How much hay is she getting? Mini's can get fat on too much hay

She gets on section morning and night.

Grass hay or alfalfa? It's hard to keep them exercised properly in the winter if you don't have an indoor arena. I'm having the same problem with my mini donkey. He gets a flake of grass hay am & pm. He's a chubby little bugger right now. But I'd rather have them a little plump in the winter. Try a slow feeder hay bag is all I can think of.

I could just give her a little less hay I am out there with her alot. It is just regular first crop hay.

Mini's and pony's can get fat on air, so restrict all food intake and up the moving about. Really all you can do.