Welcome...
TO THE SPRING 2015
XLEQUINE PONY PAGE
Nature intended ponies to lose some weight during the winter months
so don’t allow them to start the spring in too fat a condition.
Get your pony’s teeth checked so they can chew food properly and
without pain.
Use a weigh tape and learn to ‘fat score’ your pony - do this fortnightly.
Most ponies will get enough (often too many) calories from grass alone
so they do not need extra hard feed if in light work.
Weigh out any hay or hard feed and check if it is appropriate with either
your XLEquine vet or a feed specialist.
Feed according to work done and make any changes in diet gradually.
Steady regular exercise will assist with weight control.
Is that rug necessary
?
If your pony is always kept warm and
dry then excess calories are not burnt off but laid down as fat.
Control grass intake. If your pony is overweight or a ‘good
doer’ then try either strip grazing the paddock or fence off a
U shaped area so they move about more. Consider grazing
with other ponies or sheep. Grazing muzzles work well for
some ponies.
If overweight aim for a steady weight loss, avoid crash
diets and starvation paddocks. Fibre is still needed little
and often to promote a healthy gut.
Consider soaking hay for 12 hours to reduce its sugar
content. However a vitamin/mineral supplement may
then be required.
Always ensure access to clean water.
Managing your pony's weight
from Jane White BVetMed MRCVS, St Boniface Veterinary Clinic
