The Horse Forum banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

Foundered Pony?

1K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  deserthorsewoman 
#1 ·
I'm looking in to getting a companion for my Belgian, most likely a pony or mini because they are small and require less feed and space than another large horse would. One pony I've come across is just what I'm looking for but his owner states that he has slightly foundered. I have no problems with taking him on even though he has foundered in the past, I do however, have a few questions for you all...

- She states he can't be on grass, is this AT ALL, or could he for a few hours with a grazing muzzle if he doesn't get grain or much hay, thus limiting his sugar intake? At this point, we're getting a frost every night and the grass has all gone by and isn't lush or growing anymore.

- I'm sure she has him on a specific diet, but I'd like to do a little research of my own, so what kind of diet will he need to be on?

- She has him on a 4 week trim schedule for his hooves, is this normal for a foundered pony?

I've never had to deal with founder before and most of the information I'm finding on the web is very generic... I appreciate any all help.
 
#2 ·
.

Every situation is different, no grass generally means stay way for spring and summer grass when it is lush and growing. Later in the year when the grass is somewhat dormant or not growing very much may be OK, but this could be one of those Ponies that Founders extremely easy.

The 4 week trimming is to check for problems with the Ponies hooves mainly, so sounds like this could be a pretty bad case of founder and the likelihood of future serious problems.

With the information given so far about this Pony, it sounds like one of those Ponies that Founders on Air, I would be very Leary about taking this Pony, but that's just me.


.
 
#3 ·
4 week trim might be necessary to keep the pony comfortable or is still needed to get his hooves back to where or how they should be.
As for going on grass or not, Katy Watts | Safergrass.org has all the info you need. What grass, when, how much, same with hay. It will tell you also that spring and fall are the most dangerous times for being on pasture, especially with frost and sunny days.

Do some reading, and after carefully weighing your circumstances you can decide if you want to take him on.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top