Not sure what to do [Archive] - New Rider Message Board

nz_horse_chick

13th Apr 2005, 07:56 AM

Okay,
I got a horse just before Christmas last year and when I got him he was in perfect condition, not too fat, not too skinny and now when I look at him I cringe slightly. I'm not sure what causes this but he has a very big belly (as though he was VERY overweight) but you can still see all his ribs and he has a very bony back and wither. It's as though all his weight has suck to the bottom and sides of his stomach. Does anyone know what this is or what causes it? Any answers would be much appreciated as I would like to get him back to his previous state.

Thanks alot,
Emma

Anja & clyde

13th Apr 2005, 08:03 AM

hi
have you tried worming him? to me it sounds like me may have worms
hope this helps
Amber

LinzCos

13th Apr 2005, 08:07 AM

I would call it grass or hay belly - horses will blow up in the belly from eating lots of grass, it isn't really fat. You can judge fat by looking at his ribs and hindquarters. Not sure how to get rid of it - sorry!

nz_horse_chick

13th Apr 2005, 08:07 AM

We have totally isolated him from the other horse and wormed him more often than we normally do and checked the whole paddock he was in but we could never find anything in the dung! My old thoroughbred was like this aswell.

nz_horse_chick

13th Apr 2005, 08:12 AM

Thank-you both for your ideas. I'll check with my vet and everything and see if I can find a solution. I'm still open to ideas so please still tell me.

The Flying Irishman

13th Apr 2005, 08:40 AM

My daughters cob was exactly the same when we bought him from a riding school, he had no top line a huge belly hanging down but you could feel his ribs. We got him in December 04 and stabled him, rugged up, wormed him and gave him mix, nuts and applechaff. He looks like a different pony now and many critics have commented on how good hes looking.

nz_horse_chick

14th Apr 2005, 10:38 PM

Yes,
If I could keep him in a stall I would be I'm in New Zealand and not many people have proper stables. He is kept in a paddock with his rug (it is just coming into mid autumn) and we have just started feeding him Chaff each night. We don't have an option of a loose box, but thanks for that anyway.

Emma