Haakon seems to have suddenly lost weight almost overnight which is not like him. Usually it is Iacs who comes into spring a bit lean. So now, of course, I am worried.
It’s been a long day packing Turriefield vegetables this morning, collecting fattening horse-food from a friend and lastly popping over to another friend to collect equine wormer which she had kindly brought back from Lerwick yesterday.
When I finally got home mid-afternoon, although the sun was out, there is a north wind blowing which made everything much colder.
I walked down to the field and put Iacs’ winter rug back on. He was very happily surprised and both Vitamin and Fivla said they would quite like their’s on too please so I told them no, you’re fine. We’ll see how the week goes.
Then I led Haakon into the garden and gave him a big bucket of the fattening food which luckily he really liked and happily ate.
The others were now pretty cross at this blatant favouritism so I went into the house and found some carrots to throw and to get them off the fences. It briefly did the trick.
And then they were back, watching.
I don’t like how Haakon’s backbone is sticking out and his bottom is thin on his legs. I can also feel his ribs and there is no cushioning. For a 32 year old horse, I wouldn’t want him any thinner and he must put on weight if he is to keep going.
So rug on, and Haakon will get two meals a day to fatten him up.
I hope the others don’t mind too much.
Oh yes, and this is the damage in Haakon’s hoof after that horrid abscess/stone made. Poor lad.
So that’s the plan. Two meals a day and rug on while the north wind is blowing.
I will consider rugging the others up but, to be perfectly honest, they are looking fine and probably don’t need it.
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Since you moved everyone around could he suddenly be much more active without you really having noticed?
Just wondering if it is as “simple” as having done more exercise but not commensurately eating more?
Don’t think so. It’s got colder, though.
I hope Haakon is O.K.
Thank you. Me too. He is my special boy.
Such a worry for you, Frances. I hope the two feeds a day and his rug start to make a difference quickly. Is it possible that his teeth might need some attention? Although from the photos it didn’t look as if he was having any difficulty with his bucket feed! Micronised linseed is a useful additive and most horses seem to like it and it’s not too expensive – just a thought. x
Of all of them he has the best teeth – he sees dentist every year and if still losing weight, he can see him in summer when he next visits. LInseed – just finished a huge bag. £35 a bag up here! Just started him on Cushcare mostly because of its weight-gaining properties.
Sounds like a good plan! Fingers crossed for him.
Thank you x
I wish you all the luck in the world with your boy. My old mare did the same, suddenly dropped too much weight so she is on two feeds a day along with hay and grass. That is not popular with the other mare and the mini donkey but needs must. Neither of them needs extra calories!
Exactly,