weight of a laminitic pony

[iluvpin]

hey

my mare is prone to laminitis and i am concerned about her weight at the moment, as i think she is slightly underweight at the moment, but other people don't seem to think so.

I'm not exactly sure of her weight but you can just see her ribs, but her bum is in good condition(will try and get some pics), so basically what i am trying to say is would you NR people be happy at this time of year(haven't had much grass growth yet) to be able to slightly see her ribs considering we have just come out of winter, she is a laminitic and is 23yrs of age.

would just like to hear other opinions.
thank you in advance for any replys

lozzie an pinxx

[martini55]

With my laminitic I like her to be slightly underweight at this time of the year. The grass has just started growing and as mine's is such a good doer she will put the weight on no probs over the next few weeks. For me, it is easier to put it on than get it off!

[Joyscarer]

Slightly underweight is the best bet in my view just before the spring grass comes in. Then it is quickly onto strip grazing or grazing muzzle before the pony gets a chance to do too much damage.

I do think that in the UK we have a tendencey to keep our horses overweight anyway.

[Jessey]

Personally I like to see all horses a little lean this time of year (lami prone or not, but esp lami prone ones) it means they can afford to gain a few lbs with the better weather and spring grass and it is natural for them, horses naturally loose weight over winter when food is scarese and then gain again in spring.