Time and again I see performance horses and ponies who have a little extra weight on them. It’s considered to be appealing in the show ring to have a “fat and shiny” horse with what looks to be a full topline, plodding around the ring. As a hoofcare provider, however, I see something different.. These commonly are ponies or horses that are “footsore,” “just can’t be barefoot,” or “can’t walk over stones when not shod.” They may have some common “behavioral” issues as well – like refusing jumps, having a shorter or choppier stride, and maybe a little grumpier attitude. But are we just blaming this on “attitude and behavior,” when something else is going on?
Emily Elek of Stonewall Ponies chats with me for this week’s podcast episode about how she keeps track of the weight on her hunter ponies and horses, and how she sees excess weight affecting performance. We also talk about challenging the notion of “fat is healthy,” and ways to feed for fitness without obesity.
You can hear the entire conversation on any podcast app under “The Humble Hoof,” or directly at this link.
You can read more at:
Thank you to our amazing sponsors:
Cavallo Hoof Boots is offering 15% off a pair of Trek hoof boots at cavallo-inc.com with code HRN
A special shout out to Grid as New, Mud Control Grids – they are a game changer for any mud issues, big or small! – mudcontrolgrids.com
Also be sure to check out Hay Boss Feeders – haybossfeeders.com – for all your slow-feeding needs. I get my Hay Boss feeders from Mountain Lane Ag Supply in NH!
And thank you to Custom Equine Nutrition for sponsoring our podiatry clinic! Use code “HUMBLEHOOF” to get 5% off your order at customequinenutrition.com