I've rescued a couple so far. Careful
worming too much in the beginning. They could die as those worms will release
toxins when they die and if she has a whole bunch of them, it could cause her
serious problems and/or death. They will colic easily. I was told that when I
did research on what to feed/care for a rescued/thin horse. I was also told that
alfalfa is fine in moderation. Many small meals were better than 2 big ones. Hay
out all the time and I fed a 1/2-1/4 flake of alfalfa 4x day. Started out slow,
then worked up to more. Beet pulp and some grain in small amounts several times
a day.
Worming I did 1/4 the normal amount every 5-7
days for awhile, maybe 1 month as I recall. Don't want to kill all the worms at
once! Take part of the population out slowly. I wormed one once
that I only did a 1/4 of the amount and I think about 500 worms came out in
his manure the next day! I was glad I only partially wormed as he was not
looking good that next day. I slowly got quite a bit more out and he gained
weight very quickly. I would say he was normal within 1 month. I can't remember
the exact amounts I wormed/fed but rescue groups have all the information. Call
a rescue group right away and ask what they do. They are very good at getting
weight on without risking problems and they will tell you about the worming
part. Your vet will probably be very good with advice here too. Good luck.
This is not endurance related, but this group has the most
knowledge to answer my question. If this e-maail does not make it
through, I will understand. I purchased a 16-20 year old arab mare
yesterday at an auction. She was in a meat pen, and extremely
thin. Her eyes are what got to me, they are so large and kind. Also
her ears tip in so much, the tips touch. She is about 13.3-14h, and her leg
below the knee measures at 7". Now here is my question, how much weight
does anyone feel she could carry once her weight is up to par? Right
now she weighs, according to a weight tape, 550 lbs. I am just wondering
if I would be able to trail ride her eventually, or maybe my daughter, or
should I prepare myself to sell her i n the spring? It is just so hard
after bringing a horse back that has been so badly neglected, to sell them
and not know what care they will
recieve.
