The weight of a horse can be a tricky thing. Some like their horses lean and others like them plump. Now there is a major difference between racing fit and lean (skinny), and round as opposed to overweight. I personally like “apple rumps, but they can still be on a racing fit horse if it’s a Quarter Horse.
A new horse comes into the barn and it’s not the weight I would like to see. If it’s upright and breathing I can usually put weight on it, if it’s under 30 years of age and has no major health issues. If we’re dealing with health issues (like ulcers) we straighten them out first and then proceed with the weight. A horse can’t gain weight if the nutrients aren’t being absorbed. Now their bodies are very similar to ours when it comes to the age thing. I don’t weigh much more than I did at 40, it’s just distributed a little different. The muscle loss with age really upsets me. I’m still active, but the muscle is just disappearing. It’s the same way with a horse. Is it lack of weight or lack of muscle?
There are many things to take into consideration when evaluating the horses body condition, and how to put weight on. It’s not just about pumping more food into them. First thing you have to consider is why is this horse underweight. If its lack of food, that’s easy. Time and some groceries will do wonders. But remember, a horse that is starving is going to have less energy. Start pumping the groceries in and you may find that when he’s feeling better, you may have a different horse on your hands.
There are so many possibilities, you best bet is to consult your vet, if food is not the answer.
So here are few things you may want to consider.
- (If it’s a new horse). What was he getting before you got him and how much? Was it good quality feed and hay? Was he getting enough for the work he was doing? Was it the right feed for his life style?
- What was the environment like where he is getting fed? Is it a feeding frenzy? Are there other horses stealing his food, and was he stressing? Is he spilling it on the ground, with the full quantity never reaching his stomach?
- Is his worming up to date, and is he being wormed with the product that is really needed to rid him of the particular worms that he has? Are the products being rotated according to your vets recommendation?
- Is there enough fresh water being offered?
- Have his teeth been done and are they done right? I know a lot of people who have had their horses teeth done and whoever did them did not get all the way back. Is his jaw out of alignment?
- Is his body absorbing the nutrients he is getting? If not, why?
- Does he worry and internalize it? Does he have ulcers. Why?
- Is he in pain?
- Is it really lack of weight or is it lack of muscle? (could it be EPM)
- Is it a disease that isn’t obvious, or tumor, or cancer
Some horses. and especially some breeds, have different body types. A Clydesdale and an Arab are not going to have the same body shape, but each one can be overweight or underweight, you just have to know what is right for that particular horse. A young horse and an old horse are going to have different body shapes too.
If your horse has fat pockets, chances are he’s overweight. If you can count his ribs, it’s a good possibility that he’s under weight. Although I had a mare who you could always see her ribs and she also had fat pockets, big hay belly, and an apple rump.
Easy keepers aren’t always just that, sometimes they have Cushings Disease. Best to double-check with your vet, or other health issues.
There are many products on the market, make sure you pick the right one. Don’t give you horse ingredients he doesn’t need. There are certain vitamins that you can overdose on.
If you’ve done your best and it’s still not working you may want to consider running bloods on him. double checking his teeth, and run a fecal. Your vet is the one you should consult about what to do next. They will observe his body condition, the surrounding conditions, his life style and work schedule, his breed and personality type, your feeding schedule, habits, and nutrition.
For the other chunky couch potatoes, try a little exercise and a controlled diet. Grazing muzzles work really well. This way they can be turned out with their friends but you’re still limiting the amount of grass they are getting. Put it on his head and feed him carrots through the bottom hole. They stand there for a while and looked confused, but they learn quick enough.
Too much or too little of anything is not good for us or them.
