05/12/2025
Some really great advice when worrying about your horses weight in winter. Do you struggle to maintain weight or do you use winter as time to help lose those excess pounds. 🐴
HELP! MY HORSE IS LOSING WEIGHT 😣
If this is you, over winter, then read on:
For owners of overweight horses, winter weight loss is very helpful, but for those who are not, it can be challenging time for owners.
Especially owners of poor doers who seem to drop weight at the drop of a hat!
Here's a few tips:
> First rule out health issues with veterinary advice (including a dental check)
> Feed ad lib forage and the highest energy you can source
> Ensure plenty of forage in the turnout (hay/haylage if grass has run out)
> Choose moderate to high energy (calorie) bucket feed, and feed plenty
> Add another meal per day if possible e.g. after exercise
> Many low starch compound conditioning feeds are available and they can be ideal for weight gain without excess exuberance/fizziness e.g. Baileys Ease & Excel, Spillers UlcaFibre, Saracen ReLeve
> If using straights be sure you feed by weight not volume and balance them correctly
> Add oil-rich feeds or veg oil for even more calories
> Encourage a good appetite
For more details, comment webinars and I will send you details of an upcoming evening all about keeping your horse at a healthy weight.
🐴🍏
