Over the last two years it has been a world win experience with my Curly. We got him from a woman that could no longer keep him and he had hardly been used for years. I figured he be a great companion for RiRa. After learning his history later down the road how he win trail competitions and barrel competitions, it was clear to me he was a special little guy. After a little over a year I had him he started to loose the weight and when he did I knew something was not right. I have learned so much from this experience.
First know what you are feeding your animals in/out- how much they should be eating, what they are eating and understand what is in your grain you are feeding. I never expected to fight with a vet over what I was feeding my horses, since I felt I was doing it the most natural way possible. I provided them with round bales and they could eat 24/7 w/ their run shed, which provided shelter as well as a way to go in/out as they please
Another thing was everyone has an opinion. I am all fine and dandy willing to hear it, as long as you have something to back it up. While I was told "round bales" were bad, and I asked why..I merely got an answer about, how they were bad and I shouldn't use them for horses..not, be careful, make sure they are dry and not the ones made for cows. Clearly its an education thing I feel, I tried to explain and educate about the differences, they did not want to hear about it, which was fine.
On my end I try to leave my horses as natural as they can be, and I feel that keeps its easy. Many times I will realize they had something wrong after the fact, since they are can walk things off naturally. Its quite impressive what a horses body can do.
Not just Curly, but my two boys Curly and RiRa have just taught me in general to question what you intake on a regular basis, you be surprised what you taking in and may rethink it. I was glad I stepped outside the box to help Curly gain his weight back from his metabolic issues through salads, more hay (of course!) and some Nutrena Safechoice. Normally I am not one to say give more grain, but in his case, it has been a great combo. What will work for one horse, will not work for another, as what will go for some people.
Shown the above is a picture of Curly during the last snow storm we had. Normally when it snows he likes to hangout and just catch snow flakes.
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