pony quite skinny. first time ever

[TALSMUM]

my daughters pony has always been slightly tubby and has suffered from laminitis in the past. she lives out with a cob and they have ad lib hay and carrots apples and pasture mix in a bucket. they are both rugged but this year the pony seems really thin. is it a good thing to be slightly thin just before the new grass comes or should i up her feed to get her back to normal and then restrict her grazing on new grass. i can see her ribs slightly but hers pelvis seems to be sticking out:eek: . it could be normal just not used to it as she has always been fat:) any advice welcome

[Jessey]

Personally I like to see horse (esp those on grass) on the lean side going into spring, at least that way they can afford to gain a few lbs on the new grass, it is also very natural, horses by nature loose weight over winter and re-gain it in spring.
She may look slightly thinner than normal if she hasn't done as much work this winter, a fit muscley horse always looks in better condition than one who has lost muscle tone, perhaps even though they weigh the same (if its the same horse during a different year)

[puzzles]

I totally agree. It means that she can afford to put a bit of weight back on aagin come the summer/spring/autumn time.
so long that she is receiving a balanced diet and plenty of quality forage, she should be fine, although if i were you i would have her checked for a worm burdena and also her teeth, as if either of these are poor then she will suffer as she will not be able to digest or utilise her food properly. i also believe she will benefit hugely froma digestive enhancer, good doer or not (a prebiotic, probiotic, live yeast, or a combination of any of these) will improve her digestive health and promote a healthy looking coat and even temprement. quality examples include Denguie XP Triple Action and Biotal Equine Gold supplements; well worth every penny.
if she continues to lose weight then i would have your vet out to check her over, as no matter how good a doer she is or how much weight you expect her to put on, any more weight loss would be quite unhealthy.

good luck
xx