Mare Gains Weight Too Easily
We asked horse training expert Cheyanne West. More about Cheyanne

Question

Hello Cheyanne:
I have a 12-year-old QH/Paint Mare who just has to look at food and gain weight. I am wondering if there is anything that I can give her that can increase her metabolism and get rid of that pregnant looking belly. She has not had a foal that I am aware of. Have had her since April 2001.
I exercise her 3-4 times a week , one hour each time, both riding and round pen work, but she still does not appear to lose any weight. At present she weighs approximately 1050 lbs. and is 15 HH. She is on a feed program of two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening, consisting of timothy hay.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Cheryl Mapé

Answer

Greetings Cheryl:
Sounds like you might need a vet to come out and do a CBC Complete Blood
Count and ask him to check her thyroid. This is usually the cause of overweight mares. If so, this can be treated homeopathically instead of drugs
Keep us posted.
Cheyanne