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  Discussion on Hanks weight watchers diet
Author Message
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jul 1, 2007 - 12:38 pm:

Only horse people that battle the bulge with their horse know I have to brag!
Today was our weekly weigh in and We DID it he broke the 1000# barrier!! he weighed in at 994#'s I am THRILLED, he is getting flabby from lack of exercise, BUT I can feel his ribs and see the last one...he does have them! I have been writing down his weight since Feb. 17th and he weighed 1200#'s exactly, he has lost 204#'s over 4mos. He is still too fat, vet says another 100#s too go, his flabbiness isn't helping any he's usually very muscular. Sorry just had too brag, it's been a long row to hoe. I had to get the camera and mark the barrier breaking here's a couple pics, and yes still fat BUT much better



Member:
sunny66

Posted on Sunday, Jul 1, 2007 - 12:54 pm:

OHHHHHHHHH!!! Look at the sleek pony!! Great Job Diane!!!! Brave's back down to 1174, vet wants him down to 1130-40. He says just a little weight on Brave makes him look obese... thank goodness HE said it because no one believes me :-)

You're setting a great example, hopefully I'll be able to post soon :-)
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jul 1, 2007 - 2:54 pm:

Thanks Aileen! I thought when the vet said Hank had to loose 300#'s back in Feb. he was joking. I see now what he meant.
I think beings I see him daily I really didn't realize how obese he had become, and those winter coats don't help...skinny or fat, they seem to mask both pretty well.

Hank is 15.1 with a big quarter horse build and 900#'s seem like he would be pretty thin, but I am willing to find out. With his problems thin will be good I am pretty sure. I am ashamed of myself for letting him get that fat and in turn founder. It will NEVER happen again!

On a good note I didn't bute him this morning and he doesn't seem any worse than normal and maybe a little better
Member:
sunny66

Posted on Sunday, Jul 1, 2007 - 3:11 pm:

Hmmm, Brave's 15.3 so I'm willing to bet that once I do get Brave down to 1140, the vet will say "more please!" but that's our goal for right now :-) every time I lessen his hay he blows up like a blowfish because he eats his shavings, another bale gone last week... maybe I should go to straw now...

I hope Hank continues to improve Diane :-)
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jul 1, 2007 - 3:28 pm:

I know this is a stupid question, but do shavings have a caloric value? Surprisingly my don't eat shavings, but they have a small dry pen they can go in and suck dirt. They probably consume more dirt than hay.. I wonder if dirt makes them gain weight? They have been locked in there for 3 mos. so I guess at this point there have been no ill affects, except a cough here and there, but no more than they ever have I guess.
Member:
sunny66

Posted on Sunday, Jul 1, 2007 - 4:06 pm:

I have no idea... but I have found that when he has dust instead of shavings, he's fatter. When he has formed shavings he's not. Plus there was a thread on here a while ago that a horse was in dire straights from eating shavings, maybe even expired, I can't remember now, but I do remember that I do not want my horse to go through that... so I give him a little bit more hay (9 pounds a day spread out in 4 feedings) when I see that.

I just keep telling him that if he was a wild horse he'd be the king, because he could survive on nothing!

I did find some stemmier hay... hopefully that will help too.
Member:
canter

Posted on Sunday, Jul 1, 2007 - 6:08 pm:

Kudos, Diane! I'm sure it's not easy trying to keep the weight off. When Hank looks at you pleadingly with those sweet eyes, keep telling yourself "It's for his own good...it's for his own good..."

I have not posted for a long time as you've gone through all the hoof/soundness troubles as I have nothing of knowledge to add, but I will say here: I continue to keep my fingers crossed for Hank as you sort things out.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jul 1, 2007 - 6:41 pm:

Thanks Fran..it is hard, I was just mowing the yard and they were whinnying at me to shoot some there way...sigh...I didn't.

Hanks picture above makes him look tubbier than he really is. He was standing all pretty begging for lawn mower grass and I saw a shadow of 4 ribs...his crease down his back is GONE! The fat between his butt is greatly diminished, I can now find a wither. If he didn't have the hoof issues and I could ride him at this point he would be in perfect weight...but alas we do so at least 50 more pounds to go. His weigh in just made may day!!
Member:
mrose

Posted on Monday, Jul 2, 2007 - 12:01 am:

I'm really impressed, Diane! It is SO hard getting weight off a horse, or any animal, especially of you can't exercise them much. Hank looks a lot slimmer, and has a beautiful coat, to boot!

I'm trying to get weight off our older dog; I hope I do as well as you have with Hank.
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Monday, Jul 2, 2007 - 7:55 am:

Looking good! Hey, do ya think I could come visit and you could put me on a weight reduction plan along with Hank? LOL!!!
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Jul 2, 2007 - 8:28 am:

Thanks, Here is a before pic from Jan. of this year.
He didn't even look healthy, he was even fatter in Feb. I don't have any pics from then. I still can't believe I was stupid enough to miss this.

Member:
annes

Posted on Monday, Jul 2, 2007 - 11:00 am:

Diane..I am excited for you and Hank. It has been a long road and you are doing a tremendous job...Hank looks great.
Member:
quatro

Posted on Monday, Jul 2, 2007 - 2:45 pm:

Hey Diane, It is so hard to keep the weight off of these boys. Levi was looking so slim, as soon as I let him out on pasture,even for a few hours a day, he plumps right up. I have him in his grazing muzzle now for most of his turn out time. We cut the hole a size bigger, so he does get grass, but before he just got frustrated.
Have you tried the grazing muzzle on Hank?
suz
Levi is 16 hands and weighs in at 1092 on the paper tape measure thing. That does not seem to be too bad for such a big boy? What do you all think?
Will try to post a picture of his today look.
suz
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Jul 2, 2007 - 6:48 pm:

THANKS Susan, I do have a muzzle, but Hank wouldn't leave the dry lot with it, Just has a big hissy fit.
I cut mine a little bigger (not much) and he can now get a couple blades of grass he isn't QUITE so frustrated. His feet are so much more comfortable in the pasture, you can hardly tell there is anything wrong with him....even without the boots or bute. I think I will leave him out a couple hours in the evening with it on. I have been leaving them out for 10 mins. while I clean their pen so he is use to a little grass and should be ok. If I could leave him out all day eventually (with muzzle)that would be very good for him I think. I just wonder if he will drink with it on?
THANK YOU for the idea!
Member:
ngossage

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 3, 2007 - 7:11 pm:

Diane, Hank looks great! I've also been dealing with getting weight off my boy. We weighed in today at the vet's and he's lost 147 pounds in 8 weeks (and not in any work). We used a grazing muzzle and cut back his grain to just a handful. He went from 1,456 to 1,309 (he's a thick, big 16.2). Vet said he's at a good weight now. Keep up the good work with Hank-you'll have him there soon!
Member:
scooter

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 3, 2007 - 7:58 pm:

Nicole that's alot of weight in 2 mos. congrats! Hank can breathe and gain weight....he has a little welsh pony in him, that's all it takes!

I have been using the muzzle the last 2 days and he is moving wonderfully, he is off bute finally. I think getting out in the pasture and moving around has been very good for him. NOW he has too big muzzle rubs, one under his chin and one on his nose. I don't think I will be able to use it nowthey look very sore.

I THINK their was a thread about muzzle rubs in here I will have to look. Thanks
New Member:
campr2

Posted on Thursday, Jul 5, 2007 - 12:10 pm:

Im fairly new to the board but have been reading this thread so I have a question. My boy is 15.1 and I taped him the other day and he'd gained about 25#, is now at 1075. He looks to heavy to me, but my vet says.."oh, he's okay". I try exercising him but with work and all..well you know how it goes. I feed him about 16# of grass hay a day (Timothy and Orchard) and 3# of alfalfa pellets a day, plus 1 scoop of platinum performance daily. Now, am I feeding to much hay? I understand that a horse should get 1.5 - 2 percent of there weight in hay. He just seems hungry all the time too. He's by himself right now too, but Im looking for another horse to keep him company and get him active during the day while Im working. Any thoughts or ideas..Thanks
Member:
scooter

Posted on Thursday, Jul 5, 2007 - 5:03 pm:

Hi Mason you really can't go by a weight tape, every horses build is different. I use the tape as a guide for gaining and loosing weight, but you should go by the body score condition to know if your horse is overweight. Hank started out as a 9 and now is a solid 6. He needs to be thinner because of lameness issues, so I am aiming to get him to at least a 5 bsc.

Here is a link to Dr. O.'s bsc chart
https://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/3/5227.html
Member:
campr2

Posted on Friday, Jul 6, 2007 - 4:40 pm:

Thanks Diane,I will check that out and start keeping a log. I've only ever used the tape to weigh and measure him, so I might find a big difference doing it the right way.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jul 8, 2007 - 10:41 am:

YIPEE 966#'s this week! I think the vet is right about 900#'s because he still is too fat.
The grazing muzzle has helped a lot I think, but I ordered him a horse size and he still has horrible raw spots all over. I am going to have to line it with fleece I think.

NOW if only I could get his feet straightened out. They look horrible, and he was trimmed 4 weeks ago.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jul 8, 2007 - 12:36 pm:

See the last rib and wither? I think he was a yearling last time I saw these
Member:
zarr

Posted on Sunday, Jul 8, 2007 - 12:45 pm:

Diane, I remember when Ellie went under 950 it was such a good feeling. She ended up at 885 and has been close to that ever since. They do make sheepskin for those muzzles, I have one and would be glad to send your way ! Congrats to both of you :-) Cindy
Member:
hwood

Posted on Sunday, Jul 8, 2007 - 1:28 pm:

Good for you, Diane. I know how good I feel when I shed extra pounds, and Hank should be feeling pretty spunky . . . but to be honest, I'm more impressed with your beautiful fences, layout, red out-buildings and green grass and trees. Lovely place.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jul 8, 2007 - 1:31 pm:

Thanks Cindy, do they make the sheepskin for muzzles or did you do it yourself? Where did you get it? and if you aren't in need of yours I would gladly pay you for it. The muzzle has been a godsend, but I can't use it anymore because his whole face is raw....His chin has terrible open sores, on both sides at the bars of his lips, and 3 on his nose. I did glue sheepskin on for the nose ones. Thanks again.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jul 8, 2007 - 1:36 pm:

Holly, I LOVE this place and it is laid out pretty well for the horses and cattle. Too bad the horses have to be locked in and not enjoy the grass, trees, and creek. I sit on the deck in the evening and really am thankful for our beautiful property....even tho we will be 70 before it's paid off it is well worth it!
Member:
zarr

Posted on Sunday, Jul 8, 2007 - 5:00 pm:

Diane got it when got Ellie's muzzle she never needed it so still in package. Just go to my profile and send snail mail address and I'll get it right to you. No charge just tell Hank it was a thrill to see a rib! Cindy
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jul 8, 2007 - 5:25 pm:

SENT - THANK YOU !!!!!! You wouldn't happen to have a good farrier you could mail too would you? Thanks again
Member:
quatro

Posted on Sunday, Jul 8, 2007 - 10:21 pm:

WoW Diane! Hank looks awesome. Is he walking around alright? Maybe he just needs to have messy looking feet. I guess if they look awful, but he is walking around sound, I would go with looking awful :-)
Levi goes on Wed. for his 6 week farrier check. It has been ages since he has gone 6 weeks inbetween trims. Hope all goes well. He seem to be walking around ok.
Wish us luck!
suz
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jul 8, 2007 - 10:43 pm:

Thanks Susan. You know it does seem the worse his feet look the better he walks...I was thinking about that today. Then he gets trimmed and is sore for weeks until they get ugly again, What's up with that? Anyone know?
Good Luck with Levi!
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Jul 28, 2007 - 11:57 am:

The vet was wrong, Hank didn't need to loose 300#'s he needs to loose 400 total I think.
He weighed in at 932#'s today and still too fat. He is starting to look much better tho. A 6 on the bws. I don't know if I can feed him much less. 3#'s of hay morning and evening 1/4 cup lite balance pelllets and about 2 hrs. on an over eaten pasture. I guess he's still loosing so I guess patience comes into play again.
When I can see that 2nd rib I will post a pic of him....if ever.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 10:51 am:

Dr.O and HA members I need an unbiased opinion! I think I am jaded by fat now and can't make up my mind if Hank is still fat or not! I can't even decide what his bcs is anymore, because he is a big built horse. What do you think? More to go? I can't decide.

He weight taped at 925#'s today. Just for comparison here is a pic from May


These are from today.



Member:
zarr

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 11:00 am:

Diane, I think he looks good, however Ellie looks about the same and my farrier yelled at me he wanted too see at least a hint of rib so I said if the light hit just right one could see a suggestion of rib :-) ! He did not think that funny!? Cindy
Member:
hwood

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 11:06 am:

I agree, Diane. I think he looks much more comfortable and "normal."
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 12:14 pm:

SOO are you nicely saying more? (lol) Cindy that is how Hank is if he stands JUST right I can actually see the back 3, BUT in a way he still looks fat to me? The water didn't stay on his back (the rain gutters) when I hosed him down the other day....that's a good sign anyway. I think liposuction would be easier than getting the last few pounds off him. Right now they are getting 2 4# flakes of stemmy hay between the 3 of them A.M. and P.M. 2 hr. grazing on short pasture and 1/4 cup lite balance pellets. Hank is getting ridden at least 4 times a week....walk, trot, with a little canter...30-45 min. I suppose I could take away some free grazing time, and put the muzzle on more. I don't think I could feed any less and maintain some kind of nutrition? Thanks for your opinions.
Member:
zarr

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 1:21 pm:

See our rain gutters are gone too and I had thought Ellie was doing really good but not in the eyes of the food nazi who does her feet! Good thing he is cute and very good farrier ! Hoping time and exercise will make him happy! I'm thrilled with both our horse dieters! Cindy
Member:
quatro

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 2:05 pm:

He looks great Diane! Levi was looking good, and then we got so busy at the kennel, that I have not been paying as much attention, and he has been allowed out grazing tooooo much. He is back to being a toad again.
Him and Me both. Keep up the good work. I need to start weighing Levi's hay. How do you weigh yours?
suz
Member:
sunny66

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 2:43 pm:

He looks good Diane! My farrier was out today and I asked her if she could tell that Brave had lost 50 pounds... she said... ummm no. So then I told her that he was the same weight when he was in work and looked great. She said that it's probably because he doesn't have as much (any) muscle than he did before because muscle weighs more than fat. His diet is continuing. Vet will be out on the 10th and we'll see what he says... but I wanted to mention the muscle factor because it may relate to Hank... maybe? :-)

I say keep on doing what you're doing. I know it's hard to feed them like ponies!

Susan, re: weighing hay...I have a hanging scale. I take feed bags and cut them so they are open on three sides. Then I attach baling twine to use as a handle. You can also get a postage scale that you can set the flakes on that would eliminate the need for the bags.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 3:20 pm:

Susan I put a box on a kitchen scale, zero it out and put the hay in the box...works great.

Cindy do you have a recent pic of Ellie you could post? I'd like to compare fat
Member:
zarr

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 5:19 pm:

If I can learn how to post pic maybe. Will capture husband and plead for help! Cindy
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 6:09 pm:

If I can do it anyone can! I use picassa which makes it easy for me to get them the right size. I would love to see her
Member:
zarr

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 7:18 pm:

Diane ,two supposedly intelligent people give up so sent picture of Ellie to your email , Sorry Cindy
Member:
zarr

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 7:34 pm:

OK maybe this worked it was taken this spring! Cindy

Ellie slim arab mare (?)
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 8:27 pm:

Cindy she is a very pretty mare! From the bigger pic you e-mailed, her and Hank are about the same "fatness" Has she lost more since that pic? and how much do you feed her?
Member:
zarr

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 8:55 pm:

She according to tape has lost another 30lbs but I think that is just time as; not much has changed in fact the last batch of hay is too nice so I cut out a pound per feeding!, sigh! She gets 5 or so pounds twice a day and orchard grass pellets for supplements to go on. She has the best mind I have ever been around but she is doomed,never to be beautiful but everyone says she is so cute! and so she is! Cindy
Member:
juliem

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 9:24 pm:

OK Diane, I have picassa also and I can't figure out how to size, so you need to give us a short course on sizing! Pleeeeze? Thanks, Julie
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 9:40 pm:

OK heres a short course. Choose the pic you want, click export and a box should pop up, click resize and USUALLY 500 pixels works sometimes I have to go back and make it 400. When you upload the attachment it should be on your desk top. Browse desktop and find the pic and upload....it is easy. Here's a bigger pic of Cindy's mare and I think she is beautiful

Member:
hwood

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 9:54 pm:

Cute, Cindy, and she looks to be a great weight.
Member:
juliem

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 10:01 pm:

Diane, thanks for the tutoring! I'm pretty computer illiterate! Julie
Member:
zarr

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 10:02 pm:

Diane somehow I have to show my engineer type your way it sounds much easier than what we did.

Holly, thank you I think we are close,she is a Dreamazon girl and when she moves she is breathtaking!

Julie we were even using a calculator to get the right size :-) Cindy
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 10:29 pm:

LOL a calculator, That must have been fun! My son's an engineer also....but thankfully a computer engineer so I have some one to call and get advice.
Member:
leslie1

Posted on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 - 11:39 pm:

She has a sweet,kind eye.
Member:
maggienm

Posted on Sunday, Aug 5, 2007 - 12:18 am:

To my eye Diane's mare looks lighter than Cindy's gelding.

The mare may weigh more, I don't know but Hank looks like he could loose a bit more to look the same as Ellie.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Aug 5, 2007 - 8:32 am:

Lori, Hank is mine and the mare is Cindy's. I guess the (nice) consensus is Hank needs to loose more! I looked at Dr.O. bcs chart and I would put Hank at a 5.5 not quite a 6 anymore. Thanks for the opinions it helps me stay focused on keeping him in good weight. I will continue to "starve" him until thinner. I forgot to add another proud moment, when I finally saddled him I had to take the girth up 3 holes on the off side and 6 holes on the other.
Member:
zarr

Posted on Sunday, Aug 5, 2007 - 11:15 am:

Diane I was not that good put saddle on Ellie used mounting block to get on first trott and oppps sideways I went ! That is good confirmation that diet is working well. :-) Cindy
Member:
ngossage

Posted on Sunday, Aug 5, 2007 - 11:48 am:

Diane, Hank is looking good! I think he could lose some more and look even handsomer. Love the before/after pics. He looks like such a sweet boy, and Ellie is very cute & dainty looking!
Nicole
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Aug 5, 2007 - 12:23 pm:

Thanks Nicole! OK Cindy now I am going to have to get a pic of Hank with his leg back like Ellie, then I bet he looks skinnier (LOL).
Member:
zarr

Posted on Sunday, Aug 5, 2007 - 1:58 pm:

Such a smart person!! :-) Cindy
Member:
paardex

Posted on Monday, Aug 6, 2007 - 3:50 am:

Diane, this little french gourmet needs Hanks support!
JosPICT0291
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Aug 6, 2007 - 6:48 am:

Jos, you have a tubby one too! Very cute tho. My vets recommendation is to give Hank a half a flake of hay every other day and squirt him in the butt with a hose to keep him moving... while I am sitting on the deck with a beer. I haven't resorted to this YET
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Aug 6, 2007 - 7:19 am:

Seriously as a side note I have a horse friend that has 2 VERY over weight ponies. I have been trying nicely to tell her to get the weight off them. She likes to feed treats and see her horses grazing in the field....as we all do. I have told her of Hanks problems and his diet. Last night I talked to her she was thinking about putting them both down, because they can't walk (founder). She takes very good care of her animals, but for some reason can not feed them less.

Try to keep your horses in good weight, the easy keepers especially, or they may be headed down the same path....Hank was. Thanks for your support and encouragement, and telling me nicely he still has some to go Hanks weight watchers diet WILL continue! So please don't get sick of our weigh in reports....it helps me stay on track and will save Hanks life in the end.
Member:
erika

Posted on Monday, Aug 6, 2007 - 9:48 am:

AAARGH! You all have my sympathies!! I have a couple of fatty fatty two-by-fours here, too.

I have a helper who feeds for me and I got July's feed bills for SIX fifty pound bags of horse feed!! No wonder everyone is bloated! He had orders to give just enough grain to feed the hoof supplement and fly control (except for 35 year old Timmy--you could feed him all day to keep wight on).

He is on vacation now, but I will chew his ear when he returns! Here they are a couple of weeks ago. I know the chestnut doesn't look to bad, but it is deceiving because she is delicately framed. Trust me, she's plump! And the black one, Cleo, can hardly get the girth around her!
chubby mares
Member:
campr2

Posted on Monday, Aug 6, 2007 - 1:31 pm:

Okay, Ive been carefully reading all about the problems with fat horses so now I have a question. My horse is a very easy keeper and has been fed hay and on a dry lot his whole life..right now Im in Calif. However, we're moving to Kentucky with lots of GRASS. So, how do I wean him onto the grass without overdoing it and how long can they stay on the grass and what time of day is better? I think Id heard morning is better as its less sugars in the pastures. I was hoping he could stay in the pasture like we used to keep horses when I was a kid..but that doesnt seem to be the case. Any direction on this? Ive always weighed his hay and watched him carefully, and its always been a struggle to keep him from porking up. Now with pastures in the picture..Im not sure what to do ..Thanks, Donna
Member:
zarr

Posted on Monday, Aug 6, 2007 - 3:01 pm:

Tiny moments nothing more than 15 to 30 minutes a day for a while also don't forget to provide probiotics to help his gut change over to new feed. I swear by the stuff others don't. There is good advice here with Dr O's articles on feeding and pasturing horses. Make sure you have a least a small dry lot. There are so many components to your question you will get lots of ideas here! Cindy
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Aug 6, 2007 - 4:39 pm:

Mason, my horses lived in the fields in the "old" days too. I think part of the difference now is the exercise aspect of it. Years ago I rode my horses hard....for hours and they could eat grass all day and still be on the thin side. Time doesn't allow this anymore, so now the dry lots.

Try to make sure your horse is not fat before introducing the grass...even a little thin would be good. The grass will plump him right back up, as Cindy said a very little bit at a time. If he starts gaining too much weight cut him back. IT is VERY HARD with these easy keepers. I have 35 acres of green grass, but they are locked in a dry lot because they are pigs and will eat themselves sick... sigh. I don't think anytime of day makes a difference to mine. I put them out for their 2 hour turnout in the middle of the day when it is so hot they can't stand the flies or heat and they don't even stay out for their alloted 2 hrs. If I put them out at night their heads would never come up. Dr.O. has some good articles in here about it. Spring AND fall seem to be the worst for founder.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 8, 2007 - 10:13 pm:

WELL I rode Hank up to the neighbors arena tonight to practice our canter circles, which I must say he did wonderfully and balanced...finally worked off his hindend...I was thrilled. BUT the neighbor came out to watch and he said as we were doing our workout he could SEE yes SEE Hanks last 3 ribs. HOORAY!!!
Member:
frances

Posted on Thursday, Aug 9, 2007 - 5:42 am:

Yay Diane! This deserves a huge celebration - I'm so happy for you and that skinny, well-balanced horse. You'll have to post "how to put weight on my horse" threads soon!
Member:
zarr

Posted on Thursday, Aug 9, 2007 - 2:38 pm:

Diane that is really really good news .It has been awahile since Ellie and I have cantered I'd probably fall off! Don't you just notice all the horses you drive buy that need Hank's diet!? There are a lot of them. But not Hank, YEAH! Cindy
Member:
scooter

Posted on Thursday, Aug 9, 2007 - 4:19 pm:

Cindy YES, actually late this spring when I was driving an out of town route I saw soo many horses as fat or fatter than Hank...knee deep in fresh green grass. Hank was home locked up foundering.

I actually picked up my cell phone and called the vet and asked How come there are fat horses all over this countryside on lovely green fields and mine is locked up foundering!! His reply was time.... it will catch up with them, just as it
did Hank. (the vet my husband and I are friends also) otherwise I wouldn't bother him like that. Wouldn't have his cell# otherwise. He has been very serious with me tho about Hanks weight loss and knew I was getting frustrated with EVERYTHING. He told me to stop by the office when done with my route. He than proceeded to pull out x-ray after x-ray of recently foundered horses....much worse than Hank and he said they were all obese. He said he had to just put one down it was soo bad.

That was a wake up call, he said to keep him on a STRICT DIET and NO GRASS...until HE says HANK is thin, he don't trust my judgement! I don't either.
Member:
zarr

Posted on Thursday, Aug 9, 2007 - 5:09 pm:

Knew I would not be aloneand my vet said the same, sooner or later it will catch up with them! Little girl down the road has a horse she just loves but if he gets any rounder he will pop. Have been trying to figure out how to stop and talk don't know them at all but will work it out. Told Ellie there was this really slim good lookin guy back east so she better stay trim just incase they meet :-) Cindy
Member:
lilo

Posted on Friday, Aug 10, 2007 - 10:02 am:

Hi Diane,

Congratulations on your progress. I have been following this thread, because my two horses are easy keepers also. Just posted a few minutes ago and it did not seem to come through.

Enjoy your rides,
Lilo
Member:
scooter

Posted on Friday, Aug 10, 2007 - 2:54 pm:

Thanks Lilo, I have been enjoying my rides! I try to ride Hank nightly whether I want to or not, I think at this point it is the only way to keep what weight he has lost off and continue to loose.

Last night I thought I would check the feet and brain out and move some cow and calves to the back pasture. Well Hanks feet are just fine, he did well with the cattle...had them almost there and all the sudden he did an airs above the ground thing...lippazaner style. Glad I haven't lost my balanced seat yet...Then he proceeded to prance like a crazy man....looked down when I finally recovered and he was covered with those lovely deer flies. Forgot about moving the cattle and made a bee line back to the road. Poor boy was covered in blood....but he got a GREAT workout! Matter of fact so did I.
Member:
lilo

Posted on Friday, Aug 10, 2007 - 5:52 pm:

Good seat! I am not sure I would have stayed on!
Lilo
Member:
sunny66

Posted on Friday, Aug 10, 2007 - 7:00 pm:

I'm sure I wouldn't have stayed on!!! So good to hear he's earning his keep though!!
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Aug 25, 2007 - 10:24 am:

I was afraid to weigh Hank last weekend they have been on lock up pretty much and no exercise due to the torrential rains. The sun decided to shine today and I noticed Hanks wither had "grown" and his cresty neck is almost gone. (it was huge before diet) So I decided maybe weight taping wouldn't depress me and by gosh the boy went under #900. 895#'s I couldn't believe it and that was after breakfast too! One thing I have adjusted in his diet altho I wouldn't think it would add much weight, I took away his 1/2 cup of pellets and replaced it with 3 hay cubes soaked. He is still getting some grass turnout....without muzzle, and some with muzzle.

This pic is the only one that Showed his ribs, (look hard) but I can see them now and when I run my fingers across his body I can count everyone without pushing!




These are side views Marking breaking the 900# barrier


Member:
ngossage

Posted on Saturday, Aug 25, 2007 - 11:01 am:

Diane, Hank looks great! Nice, shiny coat, too!
Nicole
Member:
zarr

Posted on Saturday, Aug 25, 2007 - 11:44 am:

Skinny boy!!!! :-) Cindy
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Saturday, Aug 25, 2007 - 12:39 pm:

He's looking good. I am sooo jealous, all that green grass. We have nothing green but weeds right now. And not many of them even.

Funny thing is, I've noticed my 2 geldings are getting FAT. After seeing your pictures, it's a wake up call that maybe the few flakes of nice alfalfa mix will have to go, and even cut back on the old hay from last year for those 2. I am surprised that they are gaining weight when it's so dry; normally this time of the year I am more worried about putting weight on.
Member:
sdms

Posted on Saturday, Aug 25, 2007 - 1:08 pm:

Wow, Diane, Hank looks wonderful. You should be really proud of the job you've done and are still doing!
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Aug 25, 2007 - 2:13 pm:

Thanks! Now that is drying up I can ride again, which should help.

Angie that is there "mud lot" it is even growing grass. The pastures are knee deep with green grass...except the horses which is making this diet a challenge. Usually we are all burnt up and brown by now too.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Sep 9, 2007 - 5:04 pm:

Little update. Hank is staying steady at 895#'s he is finally allowed 24/7 turnout on an eaten down pasture, he also gets 1 leaf of stemmy hay AM and PM along with 3 soaked alfalfa cubes. When the vet was here for sheath cleaning he said he looked great but still needed to loose some around 50#'s more he thought. I am going to try and ride a little more now that the heat and monsoons seem to be over.

The good news is he is 100% SOUND and I think this diet has played a major part in this. The other 2 older arthritic horses are also moving MUCH better since their weight loss.
Member:
lilo

Posted on Sunday, Sep 9, 2007 - 7:42 pm:

Diane, great news. Especially the 100% sound part! I seem to be finally making some headway with my gelding. He was stealing hay from my mare under the divider between the two stalls, so now my mare gets most of her hay outside in a low rubber tub. He still has a ways to go, but at least we are on the right path. I need to fill the stalls before winter so that there is no way for him to stick his nose under the divider when the weather gets bad and I want to feed the mare inside.
Lilo
Member:
quatro

Posted on Sunday, Sep 9, 2007 - 8:19 pm:

Hey Diane, Good Deal. I have been restricting Levi's time out on pasture, and he is finally DrOpping a few pounds. I was letting them out all day before the rain hit. It was probably a good thing, now that I see he can DrOp weight, just staying off all day pasture. His butt is finally not so rotund!
Congrats on the soundness too, Levi is 100% sound also, so I am bummed about the return of the white line disease. I have invented a new word for all of us though. Equilamiphobia - The fear of letting our horses out, and finding one lame . . . again!!!!
suz
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Sep 9, 2007 - 8:34 pm:

lol good one Susan. Glad Levi is sound! Soon as you get that WLD under control he will be good to go.

Lilo at least mine are all on a diet so they eat together and it seems to work out well, I am glad I don't have to separate them. My mare Flash is like your gelding that girl can reach so far under a fence for a blade of grass... it amazes me her neck can turn like that! She gets a good zap from the electric fence once in awhile but that don't seem to deter her for very long. The boys won't go near it.
Member:
zarr

Posted on Sunday, Sep 9, 2007 - 9:15 pm:

Ellie's farrier is VERY convinced it is weight that plays the major role in hoof troubles. As long as Ell does not redevelope the rain gutter down her back he is appeased! She has staid at 865 for awhile now but only because she can no longer while on her knees stretch her giraffe neck out and reach extra goodies! Such a diet group leader Hank is good job guys ! Cindy
Member:
frances

Posted on Monday, Sep 10, 2007 - 3:49 am:

Such good news, Diane! 24/7 turnout AND 100% sound - break out the champagne!
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Sep 10, 2007 - 8:31 am:

Champagne indeed. Cindy my vet also thinks obesity plays a huge part in founder and how comfortable arthritic horses can be. He hadn't seen Hank for awhile when he came and did sheaths.

Hank came galloping up from pasture to him. He said he honestly thought it would have been kinder to put Hank down earlier because he was sooo terribly sore and lame and really didn't think he would ever be sound again, he even mentioned it in the spring. I told him that was NOT an option.

We went for a ride last night it was cool and windy and YES he is very sound....what a snort! We had a wonderful gallop in the hay field...accompanied by a few bucks in the beginning! Then checked on a cow that had calved, she had hidden her calf and we couldn't find it on the 4-wheeler. WELL Hank found it we almost stepped on it in the deep grass, BIG leap thru the air and pranced all the way home cuz' the calf was gonna get him (lol). It is very nice to have my horse back he is a riot!!! Thank you all for your support thru this year long ordeal it kept us going

Member:
hwood

Posted on Monday, Sep 10, 2007 - 9:43 am:

I am so happy for both you and Hank, Diane. Being overweight isn't good for man or beast, and your story, along with Cindy's, is a warning to us to not become lacksidaisical (sp?) about our horses' diets or condition. (or our own either!)
Member:
zarr

Posted on Monday, Sep 10, 2007 - 11:20 am:

Painful but true Holly spent most of my life OK turned 50 and it has been a battle! But you are right our horses health depend completely on us.

Diane, cooler here too and I was greeted by bucking rearing running horses this A.M. and was glad I was not on board!

I really admire your tenacity and determined loving care of Hank, alot of people would have given up so two thumbs WAY UP for you and Susan! Hank and Levi are fortunate horses! Cindy
Member:
paul303

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 11, 2007 - 12:16 am:

Now, just how good can things get? Incredibly good job, Diane!
Member:
paardex

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 11, 2007 - 8:37 am:

Diane congratulations! Every time I see the 3 fattys of my French friends walking stiffly and carefully [the youngest is only 4!] I am convinced again slim horses and people do better!
Cindy I am fighting the same battle as Hank after I turned fifty[and got on the French diet]
Jos
Member:
mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 11, 2007 - 11:13 am:

Diane, a big improvement in Hank! I'm impressed. It's almost impossible to keep a horse then with grass that looks like yours.

Jos, there's a weight loss book they sell here called The French Diet.
Member:
paardex

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 11, 2007 - 6:45 pm:

If it's meant for weightLOSS it is not the same as they practice in Normandy Sara!
Jos
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Sep 16, 2007 - 1:09 pm:

I almost cried last Mon. when I weighed Hank he had gone up to 912#'s not alot, but up is not what I want. He has been on 24/7 turnout and I thought that was probably over. I don't know how he could be getting any amount of grass it is SOOO short at least not enough to add weight to him...but alas it did.

I decided to leave him out and cut back his hay even MORE..give him a few more alfalfa cubes and see what happens at the end of the week.

Weight tape today puts himat886#'s. I don't know how they survive with their slim amount of food...not counting the "non" existent grass he is only getting about 4#'s of hay and cubes (combined) a day....PLUS getting ridden on a regular basis. But his coat is shiny and he has plenty of energy so it must be enough. I would like to own a hard keeper some day...or maybe not with the price of hay
Member:
quatro

Posted on Sunday, Sep 16, 2007 - 5:24 pm:

Hey Sara, maybe its just natures way of helping Hank prepare for a cooooolllllldddd Winter. I have a feeling we are in for a cold one. We have been spoiled here in Iowa for the last few years.
Or maybe it is just his hair that weighs more! My horses have all started getting their winter coats.
Just trying to think positive for you.
suz
I swear Levi puts weight on just by looking at food.
Member:
mysi

Posted on Sunday, Sep 16, 2007 - 8:57 pm:

Man, I wish I could loose 26lbs that quick. lol. Diane - I feel your pain. My pony looks at grass and gets fat. I feel so guilty when I only give her 2 handfuls of grain and a little flake of hay! The bad thing is that is what she eats to maintain her overweight physique. She a piggy too so she really makes me feel guilty.

It's funny when one of the little girls come to take her out of her stall to tack her up she drags them out of the barn to the grass and munches as fast as she can until I come along.

It is amazing how they can survive with a little amount of food. But you should be proud of how well you did getting all that weight off of him.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Sep 16, 2007 - 11:05 pm:

I wish I could too Melissa! I don't feel guilty about "starving" them anymore...I felt much guiltier about allowing him to get so fat he foundered and was so sore for mos. he could hardly walk. Winter feeding is my going to be my test, when it's cold I like to make sure they have plenty of hay, but that isn't working so I am at a loss what to do. They get fat even on stemmy low quality hay.

Susan I did wonder at first if the winter hair would add a little to the weight tape...I suppose it would....but still, I don't want his weight to go up. We had temps. below freezing last week and the horses are really starting the winter woolies. Everyone says according to the catepilars we are in for a mild winter....I hope so.
Member:
zarr

Posted on Monday, Sep 17, 2007 - 11:23 am:

Diane, remember Ellie's weight goes up and down within a 20lb range it took a few of those before I stop the panic. Unless your tape is exactly in the same place each time it varies. My engineer pointed that out, sigh!

Susan is right according to All the almancs you area is going to have a WINTER! Cindy
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Sep 17, 2007 - 7:14 pm:

I HOPE we don't have a WINTER. Took hank out for a ride to see how the feet were without pads today and he didn't miss a beat.

We had a interesting ride checking the cows. One of them had begun calving when we came up on it. Of course being a dumb cow it got up. The calf fell out of her and bounced a couple times on the ground (GAWD) Hank didn't know what to make of that so of course the rattling nose started, with the neck arched ready to flee this black moving thing that just BOUNCED out of a cow. Then it started moving and let out a weird noise. I told Hank not to loose his mind it was a stupid cow EASSYYYY. He held his mind together....musta left the TB side of him at home today. We sat and watched bouncer struggle to get up and suck while stupid mama kept knocking him down. I t was a very enjoyable and interesting ride....AGAIN I love having my horse back!!!!!!
Member:
zarr

Posted on Monday, Sep 17, 2007 - 9:15 pm:

What FUN for you not the cow :-) however how nice to ride Hank and enjoy it may there be many more!! Sorry about your winter just buy extra warm socks and gloves! Cindy ps my brother lives in your neck of the woods and sent him the same wonderful forecast!
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Sep 17, 2007 - 10:01 pm:

Cindy I bet you are well loved for sending such good news. Where about does your brother live? I REALLY hate winter. I have to get some sort of feeding figured out for Hank so he don't get fat, yet has at least some food to help keep warm, I think it is going to be tough. They hardly move in the winter after it snows...which don't help.
Member:
dres

Posted on Monday, Sep 17, 2007 - 10:26 pm:

Diane E.. can you blanket Hank?

Loved your CoW adventure..

On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots...
Member:
hwood

Posted on Monday, Sep 17, 2007 - 10:35 pm:

Diane, I laughed out loud at your description of "Bouncer." Love the name.
Member:
mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 - 12:19 am:

Diane, I am SO happy for you and understand your enjoyment totally!! You've worked hard and it's been a long haul. Enjoy! Hank, too! I'll bet he's loving being "a horse" again.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 - 6:54 am:

Bouncer had a rough start, the cow thought he was out already and was spinning around with him "hanging" out by his hips looking for him...sigh. So he was probably dizzy too. Thoughts of getting off Hank and pulling the calf were going thru my head. "Can I pull a calf and hold my horse" I wasn't sure but thankfully the spinning around set bouncer free and he hit the ground with with 2 bounces he didn't move at first. Stupid mama cow started licking him, he let out one of those deep "death" calf bawls...but didn't move....Then thoughts of giving the calf mouth to mouth (yuck) went thru my head....while holding my horse! I wonder what was going thru Hanks head, he was watching very intently...rooting for the calf I think, he does love the calves he always babysits the orphans when we put them in the lean with the horses. If they let out a bawl he will run up out of pasture to see what is wrong. He actually saved a calf by alerting us to a problem once.(amazing story) Now my husband watches hank when we are calving he has even discovered Hank watches the babies in the pasture. He is a special horse and that is why I had to get him back. Thanks
Member:
zarr

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 - 11:29 am:

Diane, bet Hank goes on calf patrol on your trail rides now could get :-) interesting! My brother lives just N. of Chicago over the Wis. border. I love winter my husband however Hates it! He is grumping already it is dark by 7:15 and in the 70s burrrr! Cindy
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Sep 23, 2007 - 1:47 pm:

Ok food nazis is he in good weight now? as said before I am not a good judge at this point. Taped at 872#'s today...after I rode him. Thanks

Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Sunday, Sep 23, 2007 - 2:07 pm:

Hi Diane,

Hmmm. Can you feel his ribs? Kind of hard to tell from these pictures, except the improvement is incredible. What do you think his body condition score would be?

I like the way he's nosing at the sand: "anything to eat here? I'm STARVING." Easy keepers are very guilty making, in my opinion.
Member:
sunny66

Posted on Sunday, Sep 23, 2007 - 2:22 pm:

I think he looks great, Diane! Same question as Elizabeth, can you feel his ribs?
Member:
zarr

Posted on Sunday, Sep 23, 2007 - 2:36 pm:

Are you sure you haven't switched horses on us?? :-) ! He looks very nice and if I squint I see ribs! Does he darken like this in the winter every year or is it that his skin isn't stretched soooo tight! ???? Cindy
Member:
hwood

Posted on Sunday, Sep 23, 2007 - 2:39 pm:

The photos are a bit dark with the inside of the shed behind dark-looking Hank, but I think he looks normal . . . and that is good, right? You are riding him, he is sound . . . all good signs.
Member:
hwood

Posted on Sunday, Sep 23, 2007 - 2:44 pm:

Diane, could you e-mail me privately? I have a question to ask about your horse shelter.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Sep 23, 2007 - 3:18 pm:

Hank Is that wonderful color when he isn't faded by the sun. It is most obvious when he sheds in the spring and starts getting his winter coat. I wish he'd stay that color it really is striking.
I CAN feel his ribs easily. I would consider him a 5 on the bsc. So you think I could start leveling him off now? if that's possible.
I left them out in another pasture while I harrowed theirs. You can see their pasture on the other side of the fence ate down to nothing....NOTICE Hank can trot AND eat at the same time when I was bringing them up.
Member:
zarr

Posted on Sunday, Sep 23, 2007 - 5:11 pm:

Ellie has that trick down to perfection! and my pasture looks like far side pasture ALL the time. He is a beautiful color! Your house and run-in are faced like ours have you ever noticed ALL the excitement occurs in that one small blind spot!? I would think the next level of worry can commence anytime! He does look so good! Cindy
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Sep 23, 2007 - 6:12 pm:

Thanks Cindy YES I hate that blind spot! I was thinking about putting windows in the lean because of it.. When I put him on the lunge line he can trot and eat without missing a beat, I shouldn't.... but let him do it because it is so amazing. Once in awhile he will kick himself in the head/mouth with his front feet while doing it...but that don't deter him. The boy is a HOG!

I will now commence to keeping weight steady worry
Thank you!
Member:
christel

Posted on Monday, Sep 24, 2007 - 10:25 am:

Diane, had to laugh. My roundpen is full of the best grass on the place, except for the track on the rail that is worn down to just dirt.
My horses will travel with their heads very low, anticipating a chance to get a bite of the good grass on either side, it is very comical and I allow it for the most part, as I have always heard it strengthens their backs to travel with their heads low- always an excuse to spoil em-lol
Hank is looking mighty spiffy from his diet, you've done a great job!
Chris
Member:
scooter

Posted on Friday, Sep 28, 2007 - 7:23 pm:

Dr.O. or food nazis maybe you can help me here? This may seem like a stupid question, but how do you level an easy keeper off? Hank is still loosing weight, which at this point is ok. His girth went up another notch 859#'s tonight. He is now getting about 8#s of grass hay and alfalfa cubes (combined) weight...plus grazing 24/7 in a little better field. I am riding him 3-4 times a week...but not hard. WTC for about an hour with a little hill work. I don't want him to gain, but he can level off now. The boy baloons up so easy it's hard to figure out a happy medium. Thanks
Member:
dres

Posted on Friday, Sep 28, 2007 - 9:07 pm:

just a thought here.. but when winter really hits, you will be doing less riding and he will be doing more standing .. So let him loose a few more, I am sure since he is a easy keeper he will put it back on later..

On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
Member:
scooter

Posted on Friday, Sep 28, 2007 - 10:10 pm:

Thanks Ann, probably not a bad idea...he does tend to get fat in the winter. That's why in a way I would like to find a way to keep his weight the same..so I can keep him fairly trim thru the winter. (don't want another founder next spring)
I guess all I can do is experiment, I am so scared of letting him get fat again. It's a lot easier to put on... then take off. Honestly if I don't really watch it he gains faster than a feeder steer on full corn rations. He isn't "normal" as far as intake and weight gain. Winter is going to prove a challenge I am afraid.
He looks so good now, tonight when I rode I noticed his cresty neck is FINALLY gone. He also galloped thru the limestone paddock....the true test of soundness....not long ago he couldn't walk on it. That's why I worry so...this diet I think has been his salvation.

My husband often says he wishes the calves gained like Hank...we'd be rich! Thanks
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Sep 29, 2007 - 9:12 am:

Diane the problem with any concrete recommendation is that it could change tomorrow as the quality of forage, environment, and work load changes. If you horse is loosing weight and you want him to stabilize, you must increase the nutritional plane of the diet, decrease the work load, or improve the environmental conditions. Give your changes at least 3 weeks to work. Measurements of your horses girth along with a diary documenting the factors that effect your horses condition will help you with making decisions proactively rather than reactively.
DrO
Member:
sunny66

Posted on Saturday, Sep 29, 2007 - 11:04 am:

Are his teeth in good shape? I only ask because he is such an easykeeper... another thought: Your horses are all fed together, right? If you want to you can increase his hay by 1/2 pound at night for a few weeks and see if it makes a difference. Can you pull him out and let him have his half pound all to himself? Then put him back in and feed everyone together?
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Sep 29, 2007 - 12:51 pm:

Thanks Dr.O. I realize that. His forage quality will remain the same, but the exercise does vary.

Aileen his teeth are fine according to the vet. I guess maybe the easiest thing to do would add a few more alfalfa cubes to his ration...they all stand at their own feeding dish for that and know better than to play musical dishes. He is in perfect weight now, if he lost a little more it wouldn't hurt him any! The frigid winter is knocking at our door tho..so i would like to figure it out before then. Thanks
Member:
sunny66

Posted on Saturday, Sep 29, 2007 - 1:58 pm:

Oh I see now, I thought you didn't want him to lose any more weight :-)
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Sep 29, 2007 - 3:42 pm:

I would like to level the weight loss off, he isn't thin by any means. If he DrOps a few more pounds that's better than gaining...but I would like to get him steady AROUND this weight.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Sep 29, 2007 - 7:53 pm:

Ya know I just got the calculator out and Hank has lost 350#'s My Gawd no wonder he couldn't walk. Another 50#'s wouldn't make him thin. Who would of thunk a 15.1 hh big quater horse type bodied horse should weigh 850#'s....granted there is variances in weight tapes...but still I thought a horse that size would be ok at 1000-1100#'s. I guess that's where my problem started....wrong again in the horse world

Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Oct 7, 2007 - 8:08 pm:

Well adding a few more alfalfa cubes per feeding did it, Hank stayed at the same weight. The other 2 are still DrOpping a little. The arab gelding is almost looking ribby now (never thought I could own a RIBBY horse) , so will up his cubes also. The old mare is getting around very well now with her weight loss and canters up the big hill each evening for their cubes....She use to have to stop 4-5 times and rest to get up it. She actually led the boys up tonight. She has DrOpped close to 275#'s so this diet has helped the oldies with arthritis as much as it has helped Hank.

My husband who doesn't pay any attention to the horses had to go in their paddock to get a gate, he even went WOW they have DrOpped alot of weight.
Member:
zarr

Posted on Monday, Oct 8, 2007 - 7:43 pm:

Diane, you have written this ALL down step by step for your forth coming Best Seller right!?? For a husband to notice on his own is really something! Think still working on the "ribby" thing here! Cindy
Member:
scooter

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 9, 2007 - 8:24 am:

Cindy THIS post is becoming a book. If I put all his hoof posts and fat posts together I could probably have a series! Ribby is odd on this farm. My neighbor stopped down the other night when I was out fixing the fence the stupid cows knocked down. I ride Sam (arab gelding) with her occasionally, the last time she saw him was May. NOT jokingly she asked where Sam was. I said right in front of you. She got all embarrassed and said She didn't even reconize him in his new body!
Member:
zarr

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 9, 2007 - 11:16 am:

Dr. Hanks weight watcher diet for the rotund equine! Oprah here you come! My farrier is very proud of you as most don't want to listen it' the DIET people! :-) Cindy
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Oct 21, 2007 - 11:45 am:

Hi. All wanted to post the Huge differences in my 3 horses since their weight loss between the 3 of them they have lost around 800#'s! when I think about that it seems incredible that they were that fat.

Hanks metabolism seems to have changed and he don't act as if he is starved anymore. He use to always have terrible gas and would gas colic almost monthly....that is GONE!

His attitude under saddle is MUCH better and he is able to "collect" easier.

He is able to graze spring like grass with NO problems...use to get gassy and hooves would get digital pulses.

Does not get winded going up hills as easily and isn't such an A$$ going down them.

ALL supplements are gone$$$$ except for his hoof supp.

My hairy cushings gelding ALWAYS goes thru some kind of fall funky, lame thing, don't feel good.
Rode him last weekend and he is doing WONDERFUL. The fall funk hasn't happened....still hairy tho.

I could name so many more things this has helped it truly is unbelievable and it really hasn't been hard except figuring out just how much to feed.
I am very grateful to my vet who kept hounding me to get the weight off them.

Out for grazing....won't pick head up for pic!



Member:
sunny66

Posted on Sunday, Oct 21, 2007 - 1:03 pm:

Looking good!!! I hope I can do as well with Brave :-)
Member:
hwood

Posted on Sunday, Oct 21, 2007 - 1:31 pm:

Wow, Diane, the grass still looks so green and lush. My guys would love to come visit.

Hank doesn't look any too thin . . . looks well-fed and cared for. So happy you are able to enjoy your horses again. They sound much happier, too.

Aileen, you will be able to do it. Obviously takes lots of time.

Diane, is there anything you would have done differently during the reducing feed process?
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Oct 21, 2007 - 1:50 pm:

The grass is like spring here again. They are far from thin...just in good weight.

Holly there are a few things I would do differently if starting over, but they are things I had to learn along the way.

Free choice grass hay doesn't work...for mine.
I wouldn't have worried about nutrition quite as much either. They are healthy and shiny eating pretty much nothing. This winter I have to get it in my brain they don't need food in front of them all the time...which is hard with our winters. I think I have a plan now so hope it goes well

I wish I would have done this before they got so fat and unhealthy
Member:
122756

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 23, 2007 - 4:04 pm:

Hi--I've been following this string for quite some time and would like to share a little weight loss helpful hint that's worked well for our chunky dunk mare. Starlett has always been a voracious eater and "inhales" her food. This past year we've had terrible problems with her feet, a lot like what Diane has had with Hank. When Starlett's feeder is empty she acts like she's starving, and we also learned that free choice hay--even local hay--wasn't a good idea for this mare--if the hay is there she will eat it all. And when it's all gone she gets bored and starts getting destructive ie eating the barn. Our vet and shoer both admonished us to get her weight down. So,in trying to think of ways to slow her eating down, stretch out her feeding time, and hopefully alleviate her boredom we came across a smaller mesh hay net available through Smith Brothers (www.smithbrothers.com). The nets are not expensive and we bought 4 of them ($9.95 each). Now, Starlett gets her weighed and measured hay feedings in the hay net and this works wonderfully to slow her down, helping her hay ration last longer between feedings. We've been using the hay nets for about 3 months now and they've held up really nicely. She did manage to chew a hole in the netting of one, but that was easily fixed using baling twine. I haven't taped Starlett recently, but her ribs are beginning to show and I'd guess she's probably taken off close to 100 pounds. I'll continue to use the nets this winter but will probably up her hay allotment slightly when the temperature dips low. It does take a little more time for us to stuff hay in the nets, but we think it's really helped with this horse. Thought I should pass this along....
Beth
Member:
scooter

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 23, 2007 - 5:28 pm:

Beth thanks for sharing, that may be a good option for me this winter....I do HATE stuffing hay nets tho. Did starlett get frustrated with the net at all? I can see Hank standing there throwing a pawing fit for some reason, but I think it would work real well for their afternoon feeding. I am going to TRY feeding 3 times a day this winter and the hay net I think would work Very well for that feeding.

Do you have more than 1 horse and feed them all this way? Mine don't have individual stalls, but they do eat at the same place pretty well until they get low.

Out of curiosity did the weight loss help the "hoof issues"?
Thanks for the tip
Member:
122756

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 23, 2007 - 6:17 pm:

Hi Diane--Starlett does experience some mild frustration initially, and she will stretch to eat hay out from the opening of the net(which gapes slightly when the net is full), but after she gets a few mouthfulls down the hatch she relaxes and gets a steady munch going. If I'm a little late with her feeding and she's teed off, I will take a handful or two out and place on the mat in her stall so she can experience some degree of instant gratification! We do have another horse, Mercedes, and she has a separate stall. While she is not "fat", our vet suggested we try to take a few pounds off her as well. She is a slower eater, and interestingly enough she HATED the nets...the first time we used it with her she managed to untie the net from the hay rack (she is an appy!)and smoosh it into her bedding (after she ate the hay). The next (and last)time we used it she untied it,dragged the net out into the paddock, stomped it into the gravel, and urinated on it. Er, we got the message loud and clear. ;->

Now, for the hoof issues. I think what initially saved Star's feet was (1)diligent use of Keratex hoof strengthener, (2) switching to Farrier's Formula hoof supplement, (3)keeping her in boa boots or easy boots as much as possible and then shoeing her as soon as there was enough hoof to shoe, and (4) yes, the weight loss.

I could go on and on and on about this mare and her poor feet, so if you'd like to hear our story and what we've learned, please feel free to email me at the address in my profile.
Thanks-Beth
Member:
scooter

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 23, 2007 - 8:55 pm:

Thanks Beth, I have a book myself in here about Hanks hooves. Starting with bruised soles, to underrun heels, bad farrier, onto founder and very thin soles. He is sound now in shoes....farrier comes tomorrow and we may try barefoot and see how it goes.. Without his weight loss I don't think it would be even possible to try.

I will update his derotation thread after farrier tomorrow.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Friday, Nov 2, 2007 - 6:19 pm:

Do you guys think the thick winter coat would add much weight to the tape?

According to what I write down... the last time I weighed the pigs officially was Oct. 16. They have really furred up BUT they all have gained 50#'s or more!. I HATE winter hair, they do appear to have gained some weight.

HELP how can I feed them less, they are getting 6#'s of hay and cubes combined and 2-4 hrs. turnout on an eaten down pasture. They are kept in the little pasture the rest of the time and there is nothing in there. They don't even bother to graze it anymore!

Hank is still very sound barefoot (like to keep it that way) but I have noticed the other gelding is starting his fall...fallout.

I guess the thing to do is cut down the grazing time??? or can I blame their winter coats???
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Friday, Nov 2, 2007 - 7:09 pm:

Hi Diane,

So are you thinking they are just real fluffy and throwing the tape off?

How about ribs? Still got any that you can find under the ultra-dense fluff?

If it comforts you, my rescue bronc is so fat he has butt cheeks... on his croup. Dude looks like he's smuggling pumpkins.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Friday, Nov 2, 2007 - 7:54 pm:

Yes they are very fluffy..I think they are in full fur now. I can still feel ribs but not as easily.

I think I need Cindy's engineer husband to figure this out.

I guess if I look at it logically...the old girl has gained the most weight and her fur is the thickest, followed by the old gelding who has long thick hair, Hank don't get as much of a winter coat and he gained the least at 30#'s. So maybe, but winter is when I get myself in trouble with their weight so must be careful...it's just starting.
Member:
juliem

Posted on Friday, Nov 2, 2007 - 11:58 pm:

Well Diane, I've noticed the same thing on my ultra furry Shetland. I tape her weekly or even more often as she can gain weight if I walk in front of her stall with an armload of hay! All of a sudden, she's taking up an additional inch on the weight tape. I feel as if I'm starving the poor thing (and she agrees!). She can clean up the amount of hay I give her three times a day in less than half an hour a time. She does get to graze poor pasture for an hour and a half before sunrise. And she is fat! But like you I don't want to feed less. I think less chew time would predispose to colic and she's only getting to eat for a total of about three hours and is on a dry lot the rest.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Nov 3, 2007 - 7:27 am:

Hmmm well maybe it is the hair then. Mine also have their hay gone in about 15 mins. When it's 20 below zero soon I really don't know what to do. I am planning to give them an extra leaf of hay, but that sure doesn't seem like much for how cold it gets! I must remain tough tho...I really would like to see if Hank can remain sound barefoot on the winter ground. My other gelding is acting very tender in the fronts for some reason, no pulse or heat.
Member:
juliem

Posted on Saturday, Nov 3, 2007 - 11:39 am:

Diane, my farrier who is a barefoot advocate, but doesn't see shoes as evil for every horse, says some horses don't have the depth of sole necessary to be comfortable on all surfaces. My paint gelding has been barefoot for two years and has never been unsound, but when he walks across my gravel area, he is very tender. That's because he doesn't have a lot of sole and that probably will never change. If I'm going to be riding on rocky ground, I boot him. It's a normal thing for many horses to show tenderness on gravel and still be perfectly sound in my experience. Ever walked out to get the mail barefoot and stepped on a little pebble? Hurts, but it doesn't do any damage and the pain is momentary.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Nov 3, 2007 - 11:47 am:

Thanks Julie, Sam the sore gelding actually has very nice hooves, but the last week or so he has been very tender on all sufaces. He has been fine barefoot for 2 yrs on all surfaces. I believe he has cushings tho and he goes thru a fall lameness every year. It usually starts earlier than this tho. Sams last x-rays showed plenty of sole(yr ago)
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Saturday, Nov 3, 2007 - 11:56 am:

Hi Diane,

I know that winter riding isn't an option for many people, but it might be time to get really creative about exercise options for these guys. If you want to keep putting calories in, then it makes sense to work the other side of the equation. There is a lot you can do that isn't riding.

Last year when we were snowed in for months, I kept my riding horse going doing belly lifts and a bunch of horse calisthenics. It wasn't work like riding, but seemed to help her maintain her muscle mass (which helps burn calories). She certainly thought it was work!

Maybe set cavaletti where you bring them in and out, do belly lifts, keep them moving and make that movement as much work as you safely can. I don't know your layout or habits, but I bet you could add quite a bit of exercise to their winter routine, and that should help with fitness as well as weight.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Nov 3, 2007 - 12:11 pm:

Thanks Elizabeth NO I don't ride in the winter I can hardly stand going out and feeding them. That is why I like them turned out also they jump the creek and run the hills and stay quite active before it snows any way. My job requires me to be outside 8 hrs. a day and that's about all I can take in the winter. However right now the weather is perfect for riding, I am going to take Hank out for a ride today and when I get back his hair should be flatend out and I am going to re-tape him.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Nov 3, 2007 - 6:50 pm:

His girth went in the same hole and when we were done his hair was laying flat against his body and he looked pretty good.

I decided to feed them 1st crop hay at night, they don't like it nearly as much and it takes alot longer for them to wolf it down. I have been trying to save it for the very cold mos. when I feed more... hopefully I have enough.
Member:
lilo

Posted on Sunday, Nov 4, 2007 - 10:22 am:

Beth - thank you for the link on the haynets. I think I will try that for my gelding. The vet was here Friday and declared that he needed to lose about 100 lbs. And here I thought I was making progress with his weight loss .......


He will now get 6 lbs per feeding (timothy hay) and I know he will clean that up in less than 2 hours. So, if he does not destroy it, the haynet will help.

Lilo
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Nov 4, 2007 - 12:06 pm:

Lilo mine would think they were in horse heaven if they got 6#'s per feeding. Hank is the biggest at 15.1 hh and he is getting a TOTAL of 6#'s a A DAY! and maintaining his weight just fine.

Let us know how the nets work if you try them.
Member:
lilo

Posted on Sunday, Nov 4, 2007 - 10:32 pm:

Diane - I think the hardest for me to figure is how much they are getting from pasture. My pasture does not look anything like yours - much drier and more sparse. I have been letting them out for 1 hour per day almost every day - I think even that is too much.

I will let you know about the nets. I hope he does not act like Beth's mare and gets it down and stomps on it ...

Lilo
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Nov 10, 2007 - 12:52 pm:

Dr.O. What is wrong here? The horses are gaining very quickly again, Hank hit 1000#'s this week.
Can you help me tweak this diet.

Their hay is weighed.

They all get 3#'s of 2nd crop pure grass hay in the morning, along with 3 hay cubes soaked...dry weight is less than 1/8 pound.

Evening they get 3#'s 1st crop stemmy hay with 3 soaked hay cubes.

Their grazing allowance hasn't changed in the last 3 mos. 2-3 hrs. on an overgrazed short pasture, that is still very green tho. We have had many hard freezes.

Hanks exercise routine varies, the other 2 usually don't get ridden much if at all. Nothing has changed in that area. They do run and play when they go out in the "bigger" pasture. I don't think it is all winter hair they look and feel fatter.

Riding more is not going to be an option soon, is it possible to cut them back more without some bad habits forming? Right now they are getting less than 1% of what their bwt should be in hay.

I know this should be easy to figure out....but it isn't! I am going to cut their grazing time in half for now and see what happens, that's about all I can take away at this point I think?
This makes me crazy is it fat or is it hair? I can still feel his ribs, but not as easily.. hair?
He is a lot fluffier than these pictures look.

Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Nov 11, 2007 - 8:30 am:

DianeE, you make the call: is it fat or hair?
DrO
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Nov 11, 2007 - 8:39 am:

I don't know....I think it is both. Maybe I'll clip him and see
Member:
zarr

Posted on Sunday, Nov 11, 2007 - 1:12 pm:

Diane, remember unless his feet are exactly in the same place and the tape is in exactly in the same place on Hank it can vary a LOT ! This is from a dyed in the wool worry wart! It can drive you nuts, but if you can spray paint the place each foot of Hanks needs to go so tis the same each time you will get a better reading and remember using a tape is a guess-ta-mint at best. Also the body will store all it can when faced with starvation so if one goes past critical point for a time he may gain on very little and then he will lose because his metabolism is screwed!Ellie and I really struggled with all of this and she goes between 860 and 890 depending on time of year and of course that hairy look, :-) Hope this eventually resolves for you and Hank! Cindy
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Nov 12, 2007 - 7:56 am:

Thanks Cindy! I know there are variances from different things, but he has gone up over 100#s I can forgive 30-50#'s. I am going to monitor him very closely if he stays around where he is now I think it will be ok. I just love having a sound horse again and desperately want to keep it that way. I rode yesterday and long trotted the bean field again and he is sound now on gravel and the pavement barefoot!!!! Quite an accomplishment.

A couple weeks ago our grass went thru the fall flush and I am starting to suspect that as the culprit, Since we have had hard freezes and it is done growing and about gone. If he continues to gain now something will have to be adjusted.
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Monday, Nov 12, 2007 - 9:59 am:

Hi Diane,

I don't remember-- do you put grazing muzzles on your guys?

- Elizabeth
Member:
zarr

Posted on Monday, Nov 12, 2007 - 11:26 am:

It is a lot more fun watching them run and play verses tip toeing around in pain thats for sure! If there weren't so many varibles in the picture I would have lots less grey hair ,I just know it! and you are probably right about fall grass until a couple years back I had no idea how lethal it could be ! Cindy
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Nov 12, 2007 - 12:25 pm:

Elizabeth I use a grazing muzzle in the spring and summer now. Right now the grass is so short the muzzle wouldn't work....should have used it a couple weeks ago maybe.

I guess the good part of it is it shows he can tolerate some lush grass... without getting laminitis as long as he is slim. Thanks guys.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Dec 16, 2007 - 5:22 am:

Hi thought I would update Hanks progress. Winter has always proven to be my problem with figuring out how to feed the horses. I tend to over feed way too much and in the spring I end up with fat horses prone to founder. I'm not weighing them anymore because that hair thing was throwing me, when they start to shed the tape will come back out. I'm going more by their bcs.

I have changed Hanks diet for the winter, because there is no grazing except what they paw up...since we got the ice and 5 more in. of snow pawing has slowed down!

I'm trying to feed by the outside temp. more than anything. When it isn't frigid out (20 degrees or more) They get 1 flake of good grass hay in the morning, at night 1 flake good grass hay and 1 flake stemmy hay. They also get 1 cup alfalfa pellets, 1 cup safechoice, 1 cup beetpulp, mixed with warm water to mush (they love it) morning and night. When frigid out they get 2-3 extra leafs of stemmy hay. I can see his back rib....even with all that hair, can feel the others but there is some fat on them, water isn't sitting on his back. I would say he is holding steady at a 6 on the bsc. which for our weather I think is good. They are staying more mobile this winter (except when we have ice) which I take as a VERY good sign. Usually after it snows they pretty much quit moving around, because they were too fat and I gave them way too much feed, so they didn't need to. He is staying sound so far except when the ice got very irregular and of course it is hard. Hoping we will make it thru the winter shoeless.
Thanks to everyones help and encouragement here I think we will make it thru the winter without getting obese (I hope)

Member:
paardex

Posted on Sunday, Dec 16, 2007 - 6:37 am:

He looks beautiful and very healthy on the picture.Amazing job you did.
Jos
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Sunday, Dec 16, 2007 - 10:49 am:

Looks great Diane. Winter is hard for the skinny ones and for the fat ones.

Jos-- would you mind DrOpping me an e-mail? My vet who breeds Holsteiners is going on a bus tour of Normandie, and I wondered if you might like to meet each other, logistics permitting.
Member:
paardex

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 19, 2007 - 8:33 am:

Elizabeth I sent you an email did it arrive? French internet seems to have gone back to the stone age once again
Jos
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 19, 2007 - 10:04 am:

Hi Jos,

No it didn't. Hmmm. Maybe try again?

- elk
Member:
paardex

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 19, 2007 - 1:18 pm:

I'll sent it through my other adres, I keep trying I succeeded with reaching Sara and Corinne after a while. I think french internet needs to learn to recognize you
Jos
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Dec 31, 2007 - 7:38 am:

We made it thru Dec. with a wither still showing. Last year his wither wasn't present, as you can tell from the pic, I am starving him and he must paw for morsels.
Member:
lilo

Posted on Monday, Dec 31, 2007 - 10:00 am:

Diane - he looks great. I am imagining that my boy is finally losing some weight - again, with winter coat it is hard to judge. And, there has been no opportunity to ride - snowy and icy and cold temps. Probably not as cold as yours, Diane, but enough to keep me off the horse for sure.
Lilo
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 8:30 am:

Dr.O. or someone tell me I don't need to feed the horses more. I am really struggling with this. We are into the very cold winter now. (my weak point).

Our nights have been close to 20 BELOW zero. During the day it gets to around zero. I am doing very well with the daytime, the horses sun themselves and are nice and toasty warm....no worries.

At night I have been giving them 3-4 leafs of hay at night, it isn't the greatest hay but enough to keep them munching. They are gaining weight with this I can see them ballooning up. Is it wise to cut back their hay at night given these temps? Most of it is the stemmy straw-like hay with one leaf of decent, but not great grass hay...no alfalfa at all.
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 9:05 am:

Diane,

I feel your frustration. My horses are well padded and I normally add an extra bale when the temps get below zero, especially with wind chill factors. (minus 20 something here the last couple of days, with the wind, and not getting above zero til Tuesday) So instead of 2, 50 pound bales for 4 horses, I am talking 3 bales. And looking at my dwindling supply of hay and starting to sweat, even in this cold!

I think it's really a play it day by day decision. Do the horses seem cold? If they are shivering, can you put a light sheet on for a few hours? Or just bring them in? I do all of those on cold WET days. Maybe the key here is to break up the feedings more. A flake in the morning, another around noon, and the biggest part at night? Hey, I am like you...I don't want to go out anymore than I have to, or stay out for that matter. So part of my feeding the bale morn and night is that is easiest. Easier to feed a whole bale than break it up, easier to have my husband or son, put one of the bales out, etc.

I don't think a few extra flakes for a few nights will cause that much of a weight gain, will it? Of course it sounds like his metabolism is like mine....LOL!!!
Member:
erika

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 9:09 am:

Diane, if your horses are gaining weight, they are consuming more calories than they need. Don't give them any more.
I deal with fatties, too, so I know how frustraing it is!
Erika
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 10:29 am:

Well no they have not been shivering. They get one flake in the morning usually and that is it. They are fine when the sun is out.

This morning they looked pathetic, frost hanging off every piece of hair and their eyelashes...whiskers.

I guess I am putting the human emotion in to the equation. Erika you are right...but it is So hard when it is this cold not to feed them free choice hay or at least a little extra. Dr.O.'s winter article says horse are equipped to handle 20 below zero easily. I think I will print that and hang it up by the hay. Thanks for the replies I will cut them back...against my human emotion, and hope it warms up soon.
Member:
zarr

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 11:10 am:

Diane, in most recent the Horse, they don't think cutting back in those kind of temps a good idea ! from 50 degrees " add 2lbs more hay for every 10 degree DrOp. With wind and rain at near-freezing temps, the feed required increases by approximately 10 to 15 lbs to 32 - 47lbs of hay per day" I just read this last night and our blizzard just arrived this morn wind snow and all! and I do break up the feedings to 3 aday with the largest at night, will DrOp back as soon as weather permits!

Thank goodness I'm not a Green Bay fan you know there will be idiots in the stands with no shirts, wonder if they feed horses?? :-) Cindy
Member:
sunny66

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 11:24 am:

Hi Diane, have you taped them? Maybe their fur is just standing straight out keeping them toasty? I agree with Cindy on not cutting them back unless they've gained a LOT. Wait until the nastiness is over then cut them back.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 11:54 am:

They are not shivering and they are gaining weight Diane: is there condition becoming fat?
DrO
Member:
rockin

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 12:14 pm:

Diane, I feel your pain as well! However, if you want to make yourself (probably not the horses) feel better, can you throw some light blankets on them so that you know for sure that they're not getting cold? If it makes you feel any better, my mare is blanketed (just for a week or two, not normally) but is not getting one stitch more hay since our temps DrOpped to -45C (-50F) with the wind chill (-37 without wind chill), and has not been cold or DrOpping more quickly than before (she's on a reducing diet still) even though she spends about 9 or 10 hours without a wind block.

But, if yours have somewhere to get out of the wind/snow, and they're not DrOpping weight, logic says that they must not be cold. If they were, they'd be shivering and using up calories, and DrOpping weight.

It's so much easier to say when it's not your own horse... Just think of how hard it's going to be to get those pounds off of them later and you'll be stronger!
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 12:34 pm:

I decided to get the tape out...took awhile to find it! I taped them all and to my huge surprise they are not gaining weight. Hank weighed in at 980#'s remove the hair and he is probably 950#'s . I went over them very closely and I can still feel ribs, not real easily tho...but not pushing. Went back and looked at pics from around this time last year and he is in much better weight this year I think. I guess the hair was throwing me. Thanks for making me take a closer look. I can not have Hank go back to fat, it will lame him for life and repeat!!!!! Thank you!!

Pics from last Jan. Does he look thinner this year?




Today


Member:
mrose

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 1:42 pm:

Oh you "lucky people" you are getting the cold weather we just got rid of. Sorry about that!

Diane, I wouldn't put blankets on unless they are heavy ones. I think light blankets will just mash their air down and make them colder. The only exception to that would be a rain sheet if you get heavy wet snow or freezing rain.

Have you ever gone out and felt the horses' skin under their hair? Usually they nice and warm. All that winter hair stands up and forms an insulating layer of air. It's like you wearing a down parker. If they aren't shivering, they are probably o.k. as long as they have a wind break and aren't in the wet.

Also, my opinion again, it is much better to feed by weight not flakes. When you say you feed a flake in the morning, I have no idea how much hay you are actually giving the horse. I weigh a few flakes from each load of hay, then I assume that all the bales are pretty much the same. That way when I feed a 4" flake, for instance, I know it weigh about 7" When feeing plump horses and trying to keep their weight down without starving them, I think this helps.

How's your knee doing with all this cold?
Member:
sunny66

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 1:43 pm:

Yes! He looks thinner :-) Good for you!!! I wish I could be as successful as you :-)
Member:
zarr

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 1:59 pm:

Good job Diane glad you doubled checked. Knowing what it is like to weight worry I so understand. But my own Vet. said it was so important that the horses have fuel to keep their engines burning that when weather is ugly feed now, diet later. Cindy
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 3:18 pm:

His hay is weighed to the ounce. Most of the flakes are 3 poundish. So when it is VERY cold like now he is getting about 15#'s of hay and a pound of mush. When it is "normal" winter weather (if there is such a thing) he gets about 11#'s of hay + mush a day.

I don't blanket and probably never will, they have enough hair to keep just about anything warm. They must be "fluffing" it up more in this extreme cold and that is why I thought they looked so fat I guess.

Vet said it was imperative to keep him under 1000#'s this winter...it will help my odds come March that he can graze a little anyway. He is doing very well with his hooves this winter, can't wait for that last bit of diseased hoof to be gone so we can x-ray again.

My knee...well not doing very good...thanks for asking.
Member:
mrose

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 7:46 pm:

You're horses look like they are doing great Diane. Go put your leg up and have a glass of wine and quit worrying!

btw- I think they do fluff their hair up. On really cold mornings it looks like their hair is all standing on end and the tips get covered in hoar frost, yet they seem comfortable. If you stick your fingers down underneath, it is very warm.
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 7:49 pm:

So Diane, I know you aren't real mobile right now, but one thing I noticed is how big that bite of hay is in Hank's mouth. What happens if you scatter the hay around so they have to browse to get it? Here it would blow away, but if you aren't too windy, it might slow them down anyhow.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 8:28 pm:

Hoar frost, that's what it is called? I had 3 completely white horses this morning instead of bays and it was just on the tips of the hair.

Today was the first day in quite sometime I was able to feed outside, the wind here is quite ferocious too. It's hard to spread out 3lbs. of hay, but they play ring around the hay leafs. Pig boy eats as fast as he can so he can go "help" the others with theirs. They can eat just about as fast as him so it is a race. The old mare is a little slower, but she is the smallest and a little less for her is ok. She is doing so well this winter considering her arthritis and being almost 29 yrs. old. She is just such a nice, patient mare, to bad sonny boy don't take after her. She has lost over 200#'s on this diet and it helped her so much. she deserves a big pat on the back too, especially being locked in with those cranky geldings. I will relax now that I know they aren't gaining Thanks for your support.
Member:
mrose

Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2008 - 11:02 pm:

If your winds are like ours, you can put the hay out in big flakes and the horses will still be chasing it all over the fields. Even in their stalls, I have to shut the doors to keep the shavings from blowing away.

Your horses look so good Diane. I know how hard it is, especially in winter. Of course, in summer with the green grass, we have to watch them like hawks also. It must be nice at times to own those great big, lanky kind of horses that can just eat and eat with no problems.
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Monday, Jan 21, 2008 - 10:56 am:

Hi Diane,

You guys are a bit colder than we are at the moment, but I was thinking about you this morning while I fed (it was just below zero, with a bit of wind).

Of my 12, one needs extra feed this winter-- this is a yearling in a huge growth spurt, might need the extra anyhow. She started to lose condition. I have 2 others that don't like the cold-- one has a thin coat, and the other has high arthritis. Both those horses are much more active and brighter in a mid-weight turnout rug. Everyone else seems to love the cold, as long as it's dry cold, and they don't need extra feed. (And I read that article too, but am not turning my horses into blimps just because The Horse says I should!)
Member:
scooter

Posted on Monday, Jan 21, 2008 - 6:32 pm:

Avoiding blimps is what I'm trying to do, but as you stated every horse is an individual. The consensus on anything I have read is pretty much what the horse article says...Dr.O.'s article says about the same thing. I KNOW if my horses got 30lbs. of hay a day each they would be blimps!. Mine are fed together and they like it that way, so it is a bit more challengeing.

Zero degrees out doesn't bother my horses in the least and they stay at their normal rations, but when it is 20 below with a windchill of -40 I start to worry, especially if it is for an extended amount of time. (They do have a wind break). I guess the point is moot, they haven't been gaining (yet). I really didn't realize they fluff their hair that much. So I will continue doing what is working. Thanks
Member:
mysi

Posted on Monday, Jan 21, 2008 - 7:05 pm:

Diane you are doing a great job! Congrats on your willpower to not overfeed! I need that a article printed and on my hay as well! It hits the 30's here and I want to feed extra. I just moved from Florida so 30 is freezing to me! My horse didn't get very furry so I worry about him, but he's the one if I fed extra he would waist it, my pony is the pig and chows down her night hay in her stall so fast that when I go out to do my night check I am always tempted to give her more, it's so cold! But I have had will power, like you. I just blanket them to make myself feel better (better than overfeeding right?)

I'm just a feeder, I always overfed all of my animals (dogs, cats and horses), that's how I showed my love. They were all fat (except Moose)and all went on a diet and are normal weights now (sweetheart is still in need of shedding a few more). We know it's better for them but it's hard right???
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Feb 2, 2008 - 6:28 pm:

DrO. so this winter is playing havoc with the 2 oldies I think. I didn't tape them, but the rub the finger over the ribs thing says they are getting quite ribby. I HATE this yak hair! I can even feel Hanks ribs pretty easy...but that is good!!

Their hay isn't the greatest, and they are getting plenty of it at this point. I give them all a mix of safechoice/beetpulp/alfalfa pellets, it doesn't amount to much probably 1.5 lbs. per day between 2 feedings. I would like to up the oldies mixture so they at least hold on to the weight they have (can't believe I'm saying that). Would it be best to up the safechoice in the mixture? Or all 3 of the choices? Hanks will remain the same. I'm trying to keep a somewhat balanced diet. Their hay is pure grass. As far as supplements the oldies get a vit.E/selenium supp. and a joint supp. Their coats are shiny and they look healthy otherwise. Thanks
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 5, 2008 - 9:30 am:

What is in the Safe-Choice Diane? If it is a balanced feed I see no down-sides of upping it. Have you read the article on beet pulp? It has some specific instruction on feeding it with alfalfa (pelleted or otherwise)?
DrO
Member:
scooter

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 5, 2008 - 4:36 pm:

Yes I did read the beet pulp article twice. The safechoice is a balanced pellet, supposedly low carb. They only get a palm full of beet pulp....just to beef it up to make them think they are getting more stuff. I just wasn't sure if the alfalfa pellets or the safechoice was a better choice. Here's what's in the safechoice
Guaranteed Analysis (min. amounts except where noted)
Crude Protein 14.0%
Lysine 0.80%
Methionine 0.30%
Threonine min. 0.50%
Crude Fat 7.0%
Crude Fiber max. 15.0%
Calcium min. 0.90%-max. 1.20%
Phosphorus 0.75%
Copper 50 ppm
Zinc 160ppm
Selenium 0.6 ppm
Vitamin A 3,500IU/lb
Vitamin D 350 IU/lb
Vitamin E 100 IU/lb
Biotin .45mg/lb
Thanks
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