Weight Management

Question
Hi Clair

I have a 13 year old Cleveland Bay x Irish Draft who is 17.2hh and throughout the seven years I have had her has always been chunky how I like as she's a Draft cross.
She's in a pasture with three other horses now with quite a bit of grass but I don't think it has any nutrients in it as she's lost quite a lot of weight in the last few weeks.  
She's on two feeds a day.  Omolene 200 and Beet Pulp along with hay in her stall when she comes in at night.
Do you suggest anything to help her add a little bit of weight and also do you think I am feeding her the right food?  
I am not too wise about the food over here in the US as I moved her over from England a year ago so maybe I'm feeding her incorrectly.
Also she is up to date on her de-worming with the correct brands of wormer.


Thank You

Laura

Answer
Dear Laura,

Welcome to the US.  I moved here from England 11 years ago so I know how it goes getting used to all the feeds here!  I was thinking as I was reading your post "how unusual a cleveland bay irish draught cross" don't see many of those over here!  Anyway,  what were you feeding her back home?

The Omolene is basically straight grain it is sort of like rocket rule very high starch and sugar.  Beet pulp is a familiar friend I am sure and a great way to put on some weight.  Where in the US are you?


If you can let me know rough amounts of what you are feeding I can give you a better idea of what if anytihng you should change.

Sincerely,

Clair Thunes, PhD
Independent Equine Nutritionist,
Equilibrate Equine Consulting,
clair@equilibrateequine.com,
www.equilibrateequine.com