Skinny Minny

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Shirley on January 26, 2010 at 12:51am

Do you have him blanketed so he's not burning off all his calories trying to stay warm? I'm sure others will have more suggestions.

Permalink Reply by Cindy Jeffery on January 26, 2010 at 11:08pm

Where do you live? Here in northwest B.C. we keep our horses outside and sometimes in. For my horses I feed good quality hay in the morning and the evening, most people I know do this and sometimes even 3 to 4 times a day. I only feed grain when they are on a training and show schedule. They also receive minerals in their salt lick with free choice water at all times. How old is your horse? Seniors have a harder time keeping on weight during the winter and throughout the year. Blanketing like Shirley said really helps them keep the calories in because they don't have to eat lots to keep warm, the blanket keeps them warm. Has your pony been dewormed lately? Have your pony's teeth been floated? Also, lack of exercise can cause their muscles to atrophy and they begin to look skinny. Hope this gives you some things to work on. Cheers :]

Permalink Reply by Tilka Marzolf on February 12, 2010 at 3:17am

I agree with the others about blanketing, teeth etc. But you also might start feeding beet pulp, adding it to his grain. If he is an older pony beet pulp is easy for him to eat. Although expensive Rice Bran Oil is also helpful in weight gain/ overall conditioning. Good luck, Tilka

Permalink Reply by Debbie Lavallee on February 26, 2010 at 1:54pm

I would like to add to the teeth, blanketing, and worming that you might want to try to probiotics. Sometimes their gut flora can get out of wack, especially if they are skinny, and need to be jump started so the healthy flora grow. I volunteer for Habitat for Horses and have rehabbed several skinnies, and I feel the probiotics have definitely helped.