We often have horse owners contact us when they are concerned about their horses’ weight – and having too much of it!
Many people start by restricting grazing but increasing stabling can have the opposite effect. Keeping them in without much to eat may encourage them to eat more when they do get the chance. Reducing movement also reduces energy expenditure, meaning “calories” are held on to rather than burnt off whilst the stress of being stabled (with little to eat) may increase the risk of laminitis in an already vulnerable horse.
We need to restrict the calories going in but not reduce actual eating time. Horses evolved to eat almost continuously and if there is not an almost continuous flow of food, their gut will not function as it should. Turnout is best as it keeps the horse moving. A grazing muzzle is a pretty extreme measure and certainly drastically slows down the rate of intake but will need to be worn continuously. Research has shown that a pony can eat an entire day's worth of grazing in the 2 or 3 hour window that the muzzle may be removed for. If you do resort to using such a muzzle, ensure it fits comfortably, that your horse is not stressed when wearing it, and, that the grazing itself is long enough to pass through the muzzle.
Short grass also has the most sugar and least fibre and may be sodium deficient so when on closely grazed pasture, make sure the horses have free access to plain salt such as our Salt Lick Tub.
The best grazing for overweight horses is actually tall, coarse grass that has been allowed to go to seed. It will be lower in nutrition, higher in fibre and have a very good chew - which will make it satisfying to eat. Fence off the perimeter of the field so the horses can roam all round and when the bit in the middle is like standing hay, allow increasing access. Careful paddock rotation can also have the same effect. If using a track or whilst waiting for the grass to grow, make sure to supply adequate low-calorie hay, soaked hay (ideally a short soak of not more than an hour), Organic Lucie Stalks, Timothy Chop or Lucie Brix as alternative forage options.
In total, for horses needing to lose weight, their daily intake should be 2% of their ideal bodyweight - but no less. Over-restriction places them in a starvation mode where they hold onto fat reserves rather than burning them for energy. If feeding soaked hay or haylage, more needs to be fed to account for the lower dry matter levels.
Company is really important. It reduces stress, increases activity and gives the horse far more options than merely eating or not eating.
Other ways to increase calorie expenditure include:
- · Increasing the frequency, duration or intensity of exercise – as much as the horse is comfortable to do.
- · Keep rugging to a minimum and consider clipping in winter.
- · Encourage turnout and movement with long narrow fields, rather than squares, or consider a track system.
- · Spray or wash down with cold water on hot days as drying off raises metabolic rate
- · Avoid starchy or sugary feeds – look out for wheatfeed, oatfeed, molasses and soya on the composition list.
- · Consider using MetaSlim
Weight-loss is a slow process and it is important to not get disheartened when results are not immediate. Seeing your horse every day can blind you to how much their shape has changed so take weekly or monthly photos along with a Weigh Tape measurement and a Body Condition Score so that you can appreciate their progress over a longer period of time.
We are here to help so if you require tailored advice on how best to support your overweight horse, please contact the Feed Line on 0178 604 008. Alternatively, you can request a free Feed Plan here.