Overweight Mare

My 14.2 mare, Beauty who I have on loan is quite overweigt and was when I got her. She has a cresty neck. She is quite a compact pony. I'm from Northern Ireland were it rains nearly all the time and I just have an outdoor arena. I also if I'm totally honest don't ride that much as I have a disability that effects my balance. She is also difficult to lunge. She puts her head towards me as if she was going to come into the middle and run over the top of me. When I go to change her to the other rein she slightly rears up.

All the other horses are out but I'm afraid to put her out as I don't want her getting fatter. I'm at a loose end at the min. I've even noticed when she walks she makes a slight blowing noise as if walking is to much for her. She's can't do fast work anyway because of this tumor.

What kind of tumor does she have???

I hate to give any advice if she has health issues such as tumors

I would have a vet look at her and tell you exactly what kind of work she can do.

Next, make sure she's getting only grass type hay, no hard feed or chaff. Restrict her hay to 2% of her IDEAL body weight a day, split into 3 feedings. Give her a stall toy and daily turnout in the arena or a paddock with not so much grass.

I would also give her a handful of grain or chaff with a Magnesium supplement. Magnesium helps some horses better utilize the sugars in the diet, which can help reduce obesity. Talk to your local feed store to see what they can get for you.

For exercise, if you are able, hand walk her around the property and on the trail. Switch sides that you're leading her on often, and work on basic ground manners while you're out there.

If you have access to a trainer, get some help in learning to lunge and teaching her how. Lunge her just 10-15 minutes at the walk and trot, making sure she doesn't get over-tired.

I second what the others said. =)

My mare was also really really chubby when I got her and she also couldn't walk or trot for very long without getting pretty winded. Now she runs and runs and runs, I think she loves being able to move freely for the first time ever.

What about getting a grazing muzzle so she can't get as much extra grass?

Good luck!

The vet isn't sure what kind of tumor she has. It may or may not be cancer, but never the less it is growing quite quickly. Surgery could be done but there's no guarantee it would be a success and it's very expensive. She's in no pain at the minute, which is the main thing and when she does become sore then it will be her owner who'll deal with vet bills. If I could help her in any way regarding the tumor I would.

Thanks for the tips. I will definitely look into getting a grazing muzzle. Walking in hard also sounds like a great idea.