fat horse

[Donn Hewes]

I had a Vet out yesterday to look at some hoof deterioration that is probably related to thrush. Interesting side note: turns out sheep and horses share the bacteria for hoof rot and after we brought home a ram last year we had a bad out break in our flock. That was certainly something that we tried to avoid, but it happened anyway. Interestingly three horses experienced a few days of lameness one right after the other, a couple months later. The hoof damage is a result of that initial attack.

But that wasn’t the reason I was writing today! While the vet and my wife were looking over the stock, one horse all ways jumps out. A very nice Suffolk Mare who is always fat. This mare has had no grain since I have had her and only first cutting hay in the winter. Yet after two years she is still a big mare. The vet suggested Thyroid supplement called Thyro – L. This could help get the weight off and maybe we could keep it off.

Any one try this or have any opinions. I am wondering how to feed it with a minimum of added expense and added grain. Thanks for the ideas.

She also recommended Biotin for the hoofs, but I am less inclined to buy / use these types of supplements. What do others do?

[Does’ Leap]

Hi Donn,

I haven’t had experience with the thyroid medications. I did have 2 horses show up with a low thyroid when I was trying to figure out other issues but I didn’t address it with the meds, I decided to focus on other improvements first.

As a cheap carrier I use beet pulp, about a cup with soak up a lot of water and swell to a sizeable volume, and it has good fiber, not a lot of sugar and is inexpensive.

I was slipping down the supplement slope recently trying to figure out some health issues and decided to take an online horse nutrition course recommended by Pete Ramey. It is offered by Eleanor Kellon who is the insulin resistant guru apparently but I can say for the $200 I learned a tremendous amount and feel a little more empowered. the most important thing I got out of this is the mineral balancing. It did require getting a good hay sample taken but since you are using the same fields year after year the mineral composition probably wont change. What I found out is that, in the winter at least my horses are quite low on Mg, Zn, and Cu and Iodine. for $100 I bought a lifetime supply of these and am mixing the proportions I need and adding to their beet pulp.

the course certainly isn’t a neccessity either, especially for someone used to looking at feed analysis and rations, but it did convince me of the importance of not slighting our animals on any of these. Correct thyroid function as well as good solid hooves (and just about everything else) is dependent on good protein and minerals.

There were many convincing student testimonials, but I was impressed with a woman who chimed in during the course with some great video of her horse that completed 8 endurance races this year completely barefoot (no boots), the year before she wasn’t sure her horse would ever be sound because he was plagued with hoof abscesses.

anyway, I am pleased with the plan because it is logical, based on something, and inexpensive. The horse supplement industry is daunting and they will throw anything at ya!

Kristan

[Donn Hewes]

Kristan, Thanks for the thoughtful response. I definitely feel the supplement thing is a slippery slope. I think I will try to give my minerals and hay a closer look. I have had my share of colics and abscesses over the years, I have sometimes wondered if it wasn’t more than my share.

[Author]

Posts