How can you geta horse to lose weight at rapid speed without starving them?

Question

I have three warmbloods, one Dutch, one Hanovarian, and one Trakehner. Just beginning to work with them again, each have not been ridden since early spring and are each between 100-400lbs over weight. They are 24/7 turned out, stalls only in extreme weather conditions, and live off their hay in the paddock and fed some oats and fat and fibre about two to three times a week, as they do not require a three meals a day plan like my Danish mare does. Shows are already halfway through and I would like to get these horses in shape so they can do a few shows by the end of the summer or beginning of fall. They are going to be ridden 4 days a week. I need suggestions to get them as healthy as possible, lose their excess weight, and get in shape as quick as possible. Any suggestions on meals, riding excersises, medications, or general tips are very appreciated. Please help! Thanks!

Answer 1

The same you take care of people - healthy eating and adequate exercise.  Dont do it any other way - or you'll cause a founder case...

Answer 2

The first thing I see is to remove the fat from the diet if they don't need it.

Maybe drop the oats to just a cup or so for 'something special' the two or three times a week.  If they don't need it...don't feed it.  Unless you like to give them a 'treat' of it a couple times a week.

Don't know what your 'fiber' is.  If it's beet pulp...you can either keep it or not.  It helps mine with digestion because it is fiber...not a 'fat' food.

For exercising...if they aren't on a regular working schedule.  I would start with some light trailriding if available to you.  Alternating between walking a trotting.  Probably for a half hour at a time for the first week or so.  Just to get their ligaments and muscles stretching out and used to work.  This also works on getting their lungs working good while doing exercise.  I would do it about every other day for about a week, until I felt they were sufficiently getting in shape for harder work.

After a few days of walking and trotting.  I would start working on some cantering.  I know me...I probably would lope the first few days...but making sure that the horse was warmed up first.  And only going for a little bit before we went back to the trot.  Like a couple rounds of an arena.  I wouldn't ask for more at that time.  But everytime I rode...I would ask for more.

Trotting is going to build muscle the fastest and get them 'in shape' the fastest.  LOTS of trotting.

Once you reach a weight you are happy with...then adjust your horse's feed to maintain the weight while he is working.

I like having a mineral block for my horses to have access to 24/7.  And I portion my grass hay out.  If they are too fat, cut back a flake.  

Don't rush losing weight.  That can make your horse unhealthy and unhappy.

Answer 3

I don't know. Just ask your vet what would be the best way for your horse to lose weight. DON'T STARVE HIM/HER!

Answer 4

I'd make sure the hay was grass only with no alfalfa and switch the oats with unsweetened beet pulp. And obviously, exercise is vital.

Also, I'd make sure they are getting the needed vitamins/minerals they need either by free choice in pasture or mixed in supplements in their feed.