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  Discussion on Another dirt to pasture question.
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Member:
keys

Posted on Sunday, Jul 29, 2007 - 10:34 am:

I thought I posted this yesterday, but I couldn't find my post...so I guess I goofed somehow. :-( Anywho, I have a friend that is in dire need of having someone take care of her Arab 8yr. mare for a small period of time. Her husband will be going for tests due to a brain tumor and she can't care for this mare as they will be far away from home for a week at a time. This mare has been on a good feed (Strategy by Purina)and Alfalfa hay. I've read the other info on pasturing horses...still,I was wondering...since these ARE such rich foods...would it hurt this mare to be put on pasture? I do not feed Alfalfa. I use a great Coastal Hay that is soooo soft and fresh. It passes the "bed making" test with flying colors. :D I rescued a Peruvian Paso and he gets Strategy and Coastal. He is doing GREAT by the way. Poor baby was wormy and boney when I got him. NOT anymore...his coat is gleaming. yeah!
I also have 2 horses on pasture only.

Just thought after years of being a member here...I'd actually ask a question. lol... Thanks!
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Jul 29, 2007 - 2:47 pm:

It would depend I think, as all horse things. I would think if she is not over weight AND the pasture isn't lush, she would probably be ok. I think I would still work her up to it over a weeks time tho just to be on the safe side.
Member:
keys

Posted on Sunday, Jul 29, 2007 - 4:48 pm:

No, she is underweight actually. The pasture isn't lush either. Where she is now is a mud pit.
:-( I'm afraid she will get hoof rot something terrible if she isn't moved. Texas has had an unusual and weird rainy spring and summer. Thank goodness we live on a hill and water never stands. We also have lots of Oak trees, so she will have more shade than she is use to. I don't she will mind that. lol
Thanks so much for your reply. I just thought she might be able to handle longer grazing periods than other horses at least.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Jul 30, 2007 - 7:08 am:

Hello Nancy,
Anytime the type of forage is changed there should be an adjustment period as described in the article, Horse Care » Equine Nutrition, Horse Feeds, Feeding » Forages for Horses, an Overview. Also if the condition of the horse is where you want it right now and you decrease the nutrient density of the feeds and the exercise level remains the same you should expect weight loss.
DrO
Member:
keys

Posted on Monday, Jul 30, 2007 - 10:18 am:

Thanks Dr.O...that is definitely logical as I did read the article. (love the articles on the forum...and the new layout) I was planning to be careful...just thought it was an interesting question as I hadn't seen it asked. I probably missed it if it was. :-O
This horse isn't worked at all, and I hadn't considered that point. I appreciate you bringing that to my attention.
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