[sher327]

OK, I'm trying NOT to be upset because I'm already having a day from **** but I have a problem.
The place I board was asked NOT to feed Casey anything other than grass hay, he was getting a mix, then we got him back to grass and turnout time(limited)

Tonight the BM asked if I rode today and if so if i had a good ride which wasn't a big deal I guess. I told him that I hadn't rode today and he asked if Casey was acting normal??

So I asked why and he said that he was concerned because he saw some ribs on Casey and thought he needed to eat better so he started feeding him almost straight alfalfa hay yesterday

Then he told me that his dad( a VERY sweet man) was giving him treats too and that last night they accidently fed Casey twice

I was dumbfounded, after my horrible day I was so stunned I didn't know what to say I didn't say anything
His last owner told me to NOT feed him alfalfa for the obvious reasons but also the only time he ever bucked her off was when he was getting a high alfalfa hay!

Ok, I really like these people and I like the farm, I understand we have a difference in feed beliefs and thats ok but I think my horse is FAT and I am worried about him Look at these pics of him from today at all different poses and angles and please tell me your thoughts on all this.
How do I approach this guy and ask him not to do this without causing an issue, he is so good to us and I like being there, I don't want to sound ungrateful but I'm worried about my boy.
Does ANYONE think hes too thin? He said he sees ribs on him and he was worried, I feel like a bad owner right now!

[sher327]

I'd just like to add this is NOT to bash these people AT ALL, they have very healthy and happy expensive stock horses they ride and show and I think he is basing his opinion on what Casey should look like on his own breed of horse and not what he should be for his breed.
He means well and I wouldn't mind the occasional carrot or biscuit from grandpa but the other freaks me out a bit, I don't wanna get bucked off or have a fatter horse LOL

[*BaRrEL_BaBE*]

I wouldn't say he's fat but he's definately not skinny, either. Isn't there something wrong about feeding straight alfalfa? I've been told not to do it-that it's too harsh on their intestines or something.

[Cowgirl2135]

uhhh....where the ribs?
He look like in perfect health!

[babyruth]

Looks like he is in good flesh to me.

[sher327]

I see no ribs LOL I'm glad he wants him healthy but yikes, no ribs on either of my boys LOL

[sher327]

oh and by the way, I taped him 9not real accurate I know but according to the tape he weighs almost 970 lbs and he's only 14 hds LOL Thats heavy! LOL

My farrier even called him chunky and hay belly ROFL

[BaileynRum]

i agree with barrel, he's not fat IMO but he's definately not skinny either. to me it looks like he just needs some more exercise to tone up his body (more muscle) which will also trim up his belly a bit. And yeah, i've heard feeding straight alfalfa is bad, not sure why exactly... but i do know its really rich and can cause weight gain. your situation is tough... but the bottom line is that your horses health is more important than trying to avoid a confrontation and possible hurt feelings at all costs. I would talk to him, let them know how much you appreciate him and the farm and all they've done for you and your horse, but that you feel your horse needs this particular feeding plan and would like him to follow it (regardless of whether or not he agrees with it).

speaking of alfalfa though... we feed a really rich looking hay that has a lot of alfalfa in it, but i don't think its straight alfalfa. I was worried about it when we first got it, but my mom said its not straight alfalfa and its just fine, its definatley very nice hay, just might be too rich. I don't really know much about hay, so i took her word for it, but i do know that bailey gains weight insanely easily. He's been on this hay for a few months now and hasn't gained weight and seems to be just fine, but i do worry about what the other health affects there could be that i am unaware of. I'm not sure how much alfalfa is in this hay (maybe i'll take a picture of it and post it) but if its too much i would like to know, and maybe i could do something about it (but quality hay is hard to come by around here... too rich hay is better than no hay at all). sorry i'm barging in on your thread sher! i'll repost this if it starts to take over..

[sher327]

well, I've been trying to learn as much about hay as I can this spring so I don't know alot either. This hay is beautiful fresh cut hay, Casey practically inhales it and Shah hollers and paces for it LOL I'm sure it's mighty tasty!

I just keep thinking hard on his kidneys and hard on my backside if it makes him hotter and I get bucked off I'm kickin' someones backside myself LOL

[morganslil1]

It looks like youve got him in good shape Hes a handsome boy.