QuestionI have a 2 year old gelding. I want to send him to cart training this fall and want him to be in good shape. However, he is really chubby. What and how much should I be feeding him? He has his own stall, but is out on irrigated pasture with our other horses. I hate to keep him in, but how else can I regulate his diet? He really enjoys the other horses and that is important for him too. Any advise is very much appreciated.
AnswerHi Patti-
Thanks for your question. It is really hard to get the weight off of them once it's on. The best way to start is cut out any grain or pellets and try him on a straight hay diet. Make sure he gets exercise (such as lunging) and has a nice vitamin and mineral supplement available. Unfortunately, one of the worst things you can do is let him out on nice pasture, particularly in the Spring. You can, however, manage it a couple of ways. One is to let him out but limit his time to about an hour a day. That may make him hard to catch once he figures out the routine (unless you bribe him with a low-cal treat like a piece of carrot). The other is a grazing muzzle which limits his ability to eat much grass but allows him to be out with his buddies. The muzzles are kind of a pain but they work. The third option is to establish a "dry lot" (without much if any grass) or even a round pen next to or near his buddies so he can enjoy their company but not get all the grass. I'm afraid that's about the extent of it. I have been guilty of this too, but in the long run its kinder to them then letting them get fat as its hard on their joints, hooves and health for them to be heavy. Hope this helps. Best, Toni
