Horses vary in their metabolic rate, just as people do. Some horses have trouble keeping weight on and others, well ... they just look at a carrot and gain weight! Obesity can lead to many health problems including arthritis, generalized inflammation, reduced liver function, and the dreaded laminitis. The answer is not a "diet."
The answer is feeding appropriately, keeping in mind that horses are very different than just about any creature on this planet. They do not do well on "several square meals a day." They need a feeding plan that is designed for who they are - horses. One that will keep them healthy, while avoiding the excess pounds.
If your horse needs to get in shape, spend 90 minutes with Dr. Getty. She will provide you with the right methods, and explain the reasons they work. Don't starve your horse -- he may lose weight but will develop even worse problems than the few extra pounds he was carrying before.
Questions sent in advance will be answered during the teleseminar. If you cannot be there during the designated time, you'll be able to have your pre-submitted questions answered and listen to the full recorded event at a later date of your choosing.
Details: Thursday, February 16, 8-9:30pm Eastern (7pm Central; 6pm Mountain; 5pm Pacific). Cost: $15 (your long distance charges may apply depending on your phone service). Note: If the date is inconvenient, you'd rather not attend, or you live in another country, the entire event will be available the next day for listening or downloading as often as you like.
The TeleSeminar will emphasize:
- Evaluating and interpreting Body Condition Score
- How to calculate your horse's weight
- What are concentrated feeds?
- What feeds are appropriate?
- Determining your horse's caloric needs
- Types of hay and their characteristics when developing a feeding plan
- Alfalfa - benefits and drawbacks
- How to interpret a hay analysis report for the overweight horse
- Minerals that help and those that hurt
- Stress and its effect on the hormones that keep your horse overweight
- Use of grazing muzzles
- Pasture grazing -- when it's okay and when it is not
- Omega 3 fatty acids vs omega 6s in weight management
- Exercise - it does 3 things!
- Thyroid hormone replacement prescription