Weight Maintenance

My horse is not fat, but he's bigger than when I got him and I would like to trim him down a little. He was pastured part of the time and put up part of the time, now he's on pasture 24/7 (I 'm thinking that has something to do with it:) I'm thinking about putting him up at night, no hay or grain. Would this help him get back to the size I want him? Also we have another horse who we're going to be putting up, and he is overweight. How long does it usually take to get them slimmed down?

It depends on how overweight they are. Usually when mine starts to get too fat, I put a grazing muzzle on him when he is out in pasture. Otherwise, if possible, you can limit his grazing time. But if he is out 24/7, I would try a grazing muzzle, at least part of the time. If you do use one, please be sure to check him often, and use either a breakaway model, or a velcro-on model with a breakaway halter. They are kinda clumsy and can get caught on things. Also, be sure he is able to drink with it on, it takes some horses time before they figure out how to do it.

I find my muzzle works wonders for my guy, and he maintains a healthy weight since he can still eat, but smaller bites. It slows them down quite a bit.

As far as how long it will take, well it completely depends on the exercise level they are at, and how overweight they are.