exercise

what or how is the best way to exercise a mini to lose wait as my colt is getting fat

I have a similar problem with Bailey. During the spring (now) I have to watch his grass intake as he blows up like a balloon. I do use a grazing muzzle which i find helps a lot. he can still be out in the big field, playing, but has limited feed.

I also lunge him in the round yard, although I haven't done that since last year. You must build up to it slowly though.

Are you able to get your colt out on walks...like taking a dog for a walk?

I know that Bailey and Willow play HARD out in the field and will gallop around for long periods, stretching their legs and being silly. Is your colt out in a field with friends so that he can play?

Another good idea is to soak any hay you feed to leach out the sugars before you feed it.

A combination of the above got Bailey looking nice and trim and in a much healthier state.

thannks maplegum what part of australia are you in iam in perth you

Free lunging in a round pen is good idea. They like to buck and run for the fun of it. The only way mine get thinner is when I give them less food, though!

Mine are fat because I feel guilty just giving the little handful that they should be allowed. I have grass hay and they should be able to eat what they want of that (it is real crummy hay). My stud gets this and I give a couple of small handfuls of alfalfa for the taste. The thing is my mares are in foal and my vet said to even pull them off of the grass hay and the oat hay. My alfalfa is very very leafy. It actually falls apart with few stems. So, I think they are getting way more than they need. I try to take them out for walks when it isn't too cold. The wind is killer here. Anyway, I may take my colt out for a walk after the farrier leaves tomorrow. Walks are great for getting weight down in the horses and me. LOL.

lucky lodge said:

thannks maplegum what part of australia are you in iam in perth you

Click to expand...

Victoria. About 1 hour west of Melbourne

hi maplegum i got my colt sent over from victoria have you heard of glenrowan stud thats were my boy comes from.......

he looks scruffy in this photo