MANAGING YOUR HORSE’S WEIGHT

It is difficult to tell if your horse is putting on weight if you see him everyday. So how can you monitor your horse’s weight? One easy method is to use the weigh tape and to measure your horse’s weight every two weeks. Keep a record and that way you will notice any changes in weight far more quickly than you could by eye. Make sure you use the tape at the same time of day, as a horse’s weight will fluctuate significantly over a 24-hour period.

What are the negative effects of excess weight on your horse?

The excess weight carried by an overweight horse causes a number of negative effects including:

Increased stress on the heart and lungs.
Obesity is strongly correlated with Laminitis.
More strain on joints and limbs.
Less efficient cooling of body temperatures.
Fat build-up around organs which interferes with normal function.
Greater lethargy and more easily fatigued.

What to do if your horse is putting on too much weight

First you need to make a feeding plan that will reduce calorie intake and also do up a regular exercise program. Any equine weight loss plan must be implemented gradually so you don't stress your horse.

When you increase the amount of exercise, you increase your horse's metabolic rate which will burn more calories. When you shift to a lower calorie diet, your horse will utilise his fat reserves as fuel. But be sure that the reduced feeding plan provides all the needed nutrients. Even good quality grass is lacking in nutrients, so you may need to feed a mineral/nutrient supplement. Here are some tips to help you put a weight loss plan together.

Some tips to help your horse loose weight

Check you are feeding your horse appropriately. If you are in any doubt ask an expert. Some feed companies offer a service where the appropriate feeds and amount required for your horse can be calculated. This can act as a guideline for you.
Many hard feeds have a high sugar content which means more calories. Feeds such as LoCal Balancer from Baileys Horse Feeds, offer all the vitamin and nutrient requirements without the risk of adding sugar to the diet.
Weigh your feed and find a container that fits exactly the amount you should be giving. It is very easy for half a scoop to turn into three-quarters or more.
If you are decreasing the amount of food you would normally feed your horse, make changes in both the type and amount of feed gradually. Reduce rations by no more than 10% over a 7 to 10 day period.
Increase exercise making sure that you gradually build time and intensity as the horse's fitness improves.
Provide plenty of clean and fresh water for your horse.
Control grass intake but do not crash diet. Horses are naturally grazing animals. So if you find that you need to reduce grass intake it is vital to make sure that they eat enough bulk. Otherwise you may increase the risk of stereotypic behaviors, and your horse may become more prone to gastric ulcers and colics. Remember horses need a steady supply of food to keep them healthy.
Strip grazing will encourage your horse to move around more to look for its food, thus using up energy while grazing.
Soak hay for 12hours using fresh water every time to reduce its calorie content.
Feed fibre based feeds.
Exercise!!! A brisk walk or steady trot will burn off more fat than canter work. Hill work in walk is an excellent way to burn off calories and increase your horse’s fitness level.
If your horse is overweight consider if your horse really does need a rug. Under natural conditions horses coats are waterproof. They also generate heat from the inside out through the digestion of fibre. Heavier type horses will often do well if they are not rugged. For the finer horses a lighter weight rug may be more suitable. Always introduce any changes gradually over a period of a few weeks.
Significant changes in your horse’s weight may affect how tack fits. Have an expert check the fitting of your saddle as changes may be necessary.

Remember that every horse is different. So what might be right for one horse may not necessarily suit yours.