It can be extremely difficult to keep your horse up to weight and it can be concerning when you approach the winter months and your horse is losing weight.
I've written the following article to help inform you on how to successfully keep your horse up to weight without hassle and lots of money being spent without success.
Firstly if you know your horse is potential to losing weight I would take action before they start to drop weight as it's easier to keep control of.
You horse may be prone to losing weight because of the following things- • Old pony in retirement • On poor grass • A finer breed which isn't native to the country • Isn't kept warm enough with horse rugs • Isn't kept in enough work • Mare with foal at foot Firstly I would always recommend having lots of horse rugs.
If he losing weight it can often be due to being cold, have great horse rugs and the cold will be kept at bay.
Secondly I would always consider horse supplements.
I believe horse supplements are great because they can help keep fatty acids in the body or balance out vitamins and mineral in the body.
Don't forget to feed good quality food with plenty of vitamins and nutrients.
I would consider a slow source of energy such as sugar beet.
Get a diet chart to know how much your horse should be fed for it's height and build.
Ponies should eat for around 16-20 hours a day to keep their gut going and to stay healthy.
Make sure they have good grass and access to hay.
It may sound bizarre but keeping your horse in work will keep weight on them.
Being in exercise will create muscle which will keep them warmer and prevent them from losing so much weight, If they're prone to losing weight though don't forget to feed them plenty if they're in work.