Keeping your pony in shape

It’s super important to keep your pony at a healthy weight because it reduces the chance of illness and injury. If your pony needs to slim down, it’s essential to do this safely – we explain how!

Keep an eye on their weight

Regularly checking your pony’s weight on a weighbridge or with a weightape allows you to quickly spot any changes. This means you’ll know if you need to adjust his diet and exercise routine to help limit weight gain or stop weight loss.

TOP TIP

Use the same weightape every time to ensure your readings are reliable! Also, remember to write them down so you can see any changes.

Did you know?

Having an overweight pony can lead to health problems such as laminitis, equine metabolic syndrome and arthritis.

Extend your pony’s eating time

Ponies need a constant supply of forage to keep their digestive systems healthy. This is true even if a pony needs to lose weight. The good news is there are lots of ways to extend your pony’s eating time while helping him lose weight…

• grazing muzzles – they’re great for the field but have to be used all the time to be effective
• small-holed haynets – makes the same amount of hay last longer
• strip grazing – reduces how much grass your pony has access to
• track systems – can be set up around the edge of paddocks using electric fencing and encourage him to move more to find food and water, burning
• mix it up – swap out some of your pony’s hay for good quality oat straw. It takes more time to chew and has less energy

Read more about keeping your pony in tip top condition in Spring PONY – pick up your copy today!