My pony has grass belly...

[Spotty_Pony]

He has a huge stomach and he releases ALOT of gas! Lol! He's not very over weight, just has a huge tummy! He also seems to get alot of tummy aches because he'll stand in the paddock swishing his tail all over the place and "pointing" to his stomach with his nose and attempting to kick his stomach- don't worry, it's not colic. Any ideas what it could be? Any ideas how I can help? I'm writing in to a horse mag. and I'm waiting for a reply, I think I'll bring my concern to my vet's attention too.

Any ideas are HUGELY appreciated!

Thanks!:D
SP
xxx

[becs]

Has he suddenly had access to huge amounts of lush grass? If so, sounds like his gut is struggling to cope with it; break it down etc. Perhaps limit access a bit?

[Pink's lady]

'grass belly's' are a lack of abdominal tone and being over weight rather than lots of fibre. The tail swishing and kicking sound more like the flies annoying him.

Getting him fit will reduce the belly and try putting on lots of fly spray, esp betweent eh back legs and around the sheath.

[Jessey]

alot of tummy aches because he'll stand in the paddock swishing his tail all over the place and "pointing" to his stomach with his nose and attempting to kick his stomach- don't worry, it's not colic

Just out of interest, the word colic simply descries tummy ache, then there are many types of colic, which can be serious or not :)

I agree about restricting his grass and upping his workload. If you find he is still gassey then feeding him mint (natural dried mint) will help keep his tummy settled and pass wind easier :D

[becs]

feeding him mint (natural dried mint) will help keep his tummy settled and pass wind easier so that's why mine boff a lot! - we have lots of wild mint in our fields. Everytime I do anything near their back end, tied up on the yard, they "release gases" to shoo me away!

[Jessey]

:D its great that yours have free access to it, one day when I have my own field there are many herbs I will plant to they can have free choice :D Really does work a treat :D

[Spotty_Pony]

Hhhmm, ok, I'll think about what you have all said, so, should I give him mint? Would mint leaves do?

Thanks y'all! ;)