Page 18 - Equine Matters - Spring 2011

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If you have not been able to ride your pony so much over winter remember
it will take time to get him fit again. Time spent walking and trotting now
will help him stay healthy and sound through the rest of the year.
Your pony will start to moult and shed his winter coat before he gets all
sleek and shiny for the summer. He will need regular grooming to help
get rid of that hairy hippo look.
While he still has his winter coat he will get very sweaty when ridden as
the days get warmer. Have him clipped if you are going to be doing a
lot of galloping or jumping. Watch out for sweaty hairy ponies getting
cold, they take a long time to dry.
Before you start going to lots of shows check your pony's flu jabs are
up to date
Worms thrive in warm moist conditions so make sure you
worm your pony in the spring, write down when you do
it on a calendar. Ask your vet what to use.
Spring means mud, if your pony lives out check his feet daily
for thrush, where the bit at the side of the frog goes wet, black
and stinky. Watch out too for mud fever and rain scald on the
legs and back, where the legs become swollen sore and scabby,
be especially careful if your pony has white socks.
If your pony goes out into a new field for the spring check it is safe,
check the fences and hedges for gaps, look out for any poisonous
plants coming through. Check the water supply or trough is clean.
Spring is when the grass starts to grow, to stop your pony getting
laminitis make sure he can’t spend all day munching. Watch out
for him getting a hard cresty neck.
Too much lush spring grass can also give your pony tummy ache so be
careful when letting him out onto grass for the first time - only leave him
out for a couple of hours. Remember to make all changes to what he
eats gradually.
Finally this is time for a good spring clean! Check all your tack is safe
and in good repair, clean your grooming kit and tidy out all those feed
bins to get rid of any old mouldy feed that may be lurking around.
CONGRATULATIONS TO...
COMPETITION 5 WINNER
ScottMitchell Associates Winner:
Georgina Clarkson
pictured
above wearing her pink prize!!
Welcome...
TO THE SPRING 2011
XLVETS PONY PAGES
...To help you and your pony get in shape for summer
By Jane King Westmorland Veterinary Group
Did you know - when first
born, a foal cannot
eat grass because their
legs are too long
and the foal cannot
reach the grass!
FOR SPRING!