I’m part leasing a backyard PRE that had never had his teeth floated. He just had it done a few months ago. I returned from a two-week vacation, noticing that he appears to have put on weight.
I’m wondering if his dental work means he’s getting more bang for his buck in his hay.
I should mention that I have no control over his diet except to suggest he needs less food. Is like to be armed with facts instead of suppositions.
Am I right?
My guy is getting to be a blimp on the spring grass.
Yep, but the float helped make his chewing more efficient.
It could be a reason for sure. But it doesn’t really matter the reason, if he needs less food (or more exercise) to be at an appropriate weight.
I think it’s very unlikely dental care caused the horse’s weight gain UNLESS he is senior and/or had a noticeably difficult time eating before (quidding, dropping hay/grain, etc). You would have seen the weight gain soon after the dental vs. a few months later. Andis are known to be air-ferns, so even a little spring grass can show on their waistlines. Was the horse in his regular work program you were away? If not, the reduction in exercise could also be a factor.
Is there any grass where he is? If so, that’s the most likely culprit.
Also, do you usually ride him a lot? Maybe he got a 2-week vacay too and he just wasn’t burning the calories off.
He’s a PRE, so he probably looked at a piece of grass and gained weight.
You said that you returned from a 2 week trip. Was he worked by anyone during that time? If mine had 2 weeks off, he might gain some weight too. Especially this time of year.
good lord. How does that even happen in 2025. I’m sure he’s feeling much better no matter what.
It is probably the time of year and grass unless he is dry lotted with hay only?
There is no grass here. He was in his regular work program while I was gone.
My DWB that I sold last year was undiagnosed IR when I bought him 2 1/2 years before that and he was obese. He had adipose pads in all the places. This horse is starting to develop them. This is why I’m fact finding before confronting the owner about his diet. I also would like to find out what his temperament is when he’s not hopped up on alfalfa.
Owner is from a culture where no one can really afford vet care, so they have people who are unlicensed do things like teeth floating.
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