Weight loss, skin funk, abscesses…

[QHEventer]

Trying to decide whether turn out or hay is to blame…(or neither!)

Horses were typically stalled partially during the day, or overnight in the past. For the past 2 1/2 months, they’ve only come in for meals and a short nap in the mornings. Neither horse has ever lived out 24/7 (I doubt this is causing any of these issues but it still makes me wonder…)

Only other variable that has changed, is horses are now eating this years cutting of hay versus last year‘s cutting which I fed until mid-summer. Haven’t ever had it tested, but same hay I’ve fed for years without issue.

Both horses have dropped weight, despite grain being bumped up, and both have skin funk, including ringworm which just popped up (great…)

One has been having recurring abscesses as well.

My gut tells me it’s a nutritional issue but wondering if anyone has other things I should explore.

Thanks in advance!

[JB]

How old are they?

It would be less likely that both suddenly have PPID, but it’s possible

It may be the same field and cutting as years past, but a given year could produce craptastic hay. I’d get that teste if you have enough left.

[QHEventer]

@JB

How old are they?

It would be less likely that both suddenly have PPID, but it’s possible

It may be the same field and cutting as years past, but a given year could produce craptastic hay. I’d get that teste if you have enough left.

One is 8 and one is 20. Ironically, the eight-year-old is having the most issues. You are right, I really need to have it tested, don’t I?

[candyappy]

Might just need to add extra minerals to their feed. Was the hay cut later in the year than previously? If it was way over mature( even after first cut was done) it could be severely lacking.

Doing that has taken care of my mare when she had a skin issue come up a few years ago around this time. I just add a little all purpose mineral to her RB.