she looks so cute with her western saddle on! Such a sweet little gal to get man-handled roughly. I’m sure she will learn that riding = fun and not pain with enough patience.
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She looks great! I’m glad you updated us.
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She looks so good and oh so happy.
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The vet actually likes her weight because Matilda has ringbone and not having a lot of extra fat helps. She’s been on Equioxx since last summer and it does keep her comfortable. If we notice any worsening as we get her into casual riding, we’ll look into Adequan. I guess I’m used to my round little Mustang, lol.
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She looks great!
ETA: posted before I read your update re: weight
Ask your vet about adding Triple Crown Sr to her feed.
My 20yo TWH came out of Winter ribbier than I like 2yrs ago.
Adding a cup to his 2X daily whole oats has kept him in good weight since then.
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She has to have the lower sugar senior feed (TC senior) per vet’s orders. She will clean up about a scoop and a half twice daily (I think that’s five pounds per day). Any more than that is left behind. She gets as much grass hay as she’ll eat and some alfalfa as well. She leaves hay behind. It might just be her. Her teeth were floated last fall. No big issues, just common points and a bit of a wave. She’s healthy, just a little lean to my eyes.
The horses do like their new paddock setup. They have shade and a nice view of the farm. they also get daily turnout on pasture. It’s my favorite way to keep horses. Daily cleaning keeps the flies down and they seem much more relaxed than in stalls. We are using panels while deciding if this is where we want their permanent paddocks before we buy all the wood.
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I really like the look of your setup.
Could you refresh me on if she’ll eat moist alfalfa pellets or beetpulp with oil added? I really need to get some work done so don’t have time to go back and read…
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She wasn’t very interested in alfalfa or beet pellets. We did a lot of trials to find what worked based on the vet’s recommendation. She is funny. She won’t eat mints, most treats, or apples. I found a few that she likes, but she’s picky.
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That makes it tricky then.
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Have you tried sweet potatoes? Even the pickiest one in our barn likes them.
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Honestly, from the pictures, she looks fine. I know some people tend to like their horses fatter, but like the vet told you, it’s bad for her to be overweight. Such an improvement!
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I agree totally. She looks wonderful. I wouldn’t change a thing. Job well done on a lovely mare.
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Honestly I think she looks fine weight wise - if the vet is happy I’d be happy with whatever is working now! If she can comfortably work a bit (ponying is great!) she will put on some muscle which can really help round them out visually.
Great job! Go Matilda!
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Hahaha! That’s interesting. No, I haven’t.
Thanks, guys!
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Just want to join in and say Matilda looks wonderful! She looks just right, weight-wise, to me. And such a sweet face. 
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Just have to ask…looking at the picture of her under saddle, it looks like her feet need addressing (i.e., toe too long, heels underrun). Is a farrier working on them? That would help her soreness a lot.
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Yes, you’re right. Our farrier was late coming out last time. He’s due out again very soon.
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I cropped this one. She’s still getting ponied before being ridden so she’s wearing a halter underneath the bridle. She was ridden hard and fast with tie downs and strong bits with the previous owner (one of those types of can chasers). My copper mouthed snaffle had a sharp edge, so she’s a wearing a Tom Thumb with a copper roller until I pick up another snaffle (we had a gelding that LOVED the roller). The important thing is that she looks happy and seems comfortable walking with my mare around the farm. What a difference a year makes!
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