Overweight mare

[Tami]

I have a mare that is VERY overweight. Any one have any ideas on what I can do with her? She is on a diet but that doesn't seem to help and I don't want to starve her. She gets just vitamins and a handful of hay twice a day. I had her thyroid checked and that is not the problem. I was sure it would be but it wasn't. My vet said she is just any easy keeper. But she is way past that. Any ideas?

 

[Robin_C]

Many mini's overweight status goes way beyond counting calories by reducing volumes of feed and hay provided. THyroid is just one factor -- metabolic issues are normally the key player here. Your horse may indeed be metabolically challenged and require not only a reduction in feed/calories, but a restructuring of feed, reducing the nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC's, which equal starch and sugar) and fats.

I know that the Yahoo Cushing's site is rather daunting to read and sort through, but even if you join just for the FILES section, it would be educational. Another Yahoo list, The Metabolic Horse, takes a little more relaxed approach to the same set of issues and problems. Both are a worthwhile read:

Equine Cushings Group

Metabolic Horse Group

To keep it simple, if your horse is not already on a reduced starch/sugar diet (removal of all sweet feeds and/or grains, plus low sugar hay and/or soaking of hay), then this would be my first suggestion. Also, many minis will test normal on thyroid tests but may benefit from Thyro-L at any rate, simply from its effect of boosting the basal metabolic rate.

Bottom line is that reducing a high NSC feed in volume may not be enough in a horse that is highly sensitive to starch and sugar. A diligent effort at reducing the type of carbohydrates fed does not need to result in starving your horse. In fact, with the right type of food, you may actually be able to feed your horse MORE -- which will make your mini very happy I'm sure! :bgrin

 

[Reble]

Keep them off pasture or time limit.

We found to get our minis to loose weight is watching their intake during the winter months.

It takes months !!! not weeks to get them into shape, if they are overweight.

Yes, you do not want them thin because of winter, but we always found it easier, when they are off pasture completly and we control their intake. Our show horses only get weighed amount of hay cubes, minerals and sun flower seeds.

We do feed our brood mares different, they get frisky foal mixed with a mixed grain and minerals, during the winter. Healthier for foaling.

I found giving minierals has change our minis.

 

[appypintolady]

Reble, What kind of minerals do you feed ? Is it a brand name of a type of assorted minerals?

 

[Reble]

Reble, What kind of minerals do you feed ? Is it a brand name of a type of assorted minerals?

we are feeding Blacks Premium forumla Vitamin and mineral supplement for horses

I always make sure their is thiamine included.

http://www.twydil.com/en-twyd/tools2/3.vit/fr4vit20.htm

It reads Blacks Vitamin and mineral supplements contribute to

improved hair and coat condition

improved hoof quality

increased feed effieciency

 

[appypintolady]

Thanks Reble, I appreciate the info.

 

[mistyrose]

We have a horse that was over weight and foundered. Following our vets instructions we put her on dirt and feed her only beet pulp ( no molasses). As the foot issue went away we added some hay. She lost about 50 lbs. We now after 4 months have her on hay and a mix of oats and strategy in a small amount. She is maintaining weight very well. We are starting to up the stategy ( a low carb feed) as she is entering her last trimester and will need more calories. presently she get 1/2 a small flake hay and 1 1/2 cups of the oat mix.

This is the best she has ever looked since we have had her.