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too fat?

2K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  Ryle 
#1 ·
i have a horse on my property that is getting so fat, that i think that it is pecoming a hazard to her health. how fat is too fat?

also, how can she lose weight. she is in the 'dieters paddock' and is on a low fat feed which also prevents founder.
 
#2 ·
Remove grain and don't let her graze. Give low-calorie hay (means no alfalfa and so on).

I as told once that if you can grab lots of skin (and fat) on neck and shoulder than horse is fat. Not sure how true it is though. Mine are pretty fat too - have big bellies.
 
#3 ·
Basically if you can see fat pads, the topline is indented at the spine, a cresty neck, etc they are definately too fat. Often this is a problem with easy keepers as they age.. Like people developing Type 2 Diabetes, Insulin Resistance is a medical problem for some horses.

Removing them from grass, which may be too rich in sugars is a big plus. Feeding them a low fat LOW CARB diet is important. *no grain* The carbs being the most important. Often soaking their hay to remove any excess sugar possible will also speed the weight loss and help to prevent laminitis. Be sure to dump the water as waste as it is full of the sugar you are removing. ;) Hay can be soaked for 30-60 minutes then drained<shake off a bit> and feed. Prolonged soaking in hot weather can lead to sourness.

And don't forget exercise along with the diet.. :)

Do you have more info or a pic of this horse? Has she had any signs of laminitis? Hoof rings and/or abscesses are a big sign that there may be a problem. Been there.. ;)
 
#6 ·
ill try to get a picture as soon as i acn, but for now, she has very good feet, much much better than even the fitter horses, she has never foundered (word for laminitis in Oz) and she has no respiratory problems. she is just REALLY fat. and i mean we had to buy her a new saddle fat.
 
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