I have an easy keeper on 15 acres of green
pasture. She does have 2 pasture mates. They are out 24/7 except for
brief periods in the AM and PM when they come in for a small amount of grain
with their supplements, mostly selenium. I ride the Fat Pony 3 to 4 times
a week and yes I worry. I did ask Eleanor Kellon about my Fat Pony and she
told me to keep conditioning her and she would be fine. i ride anywhere
between 7, 9, 10, or over 15 miles each time she goes out. The rides are
not real fast, her build is stocky and she huffs and puffs at a canter. On
the other hand, there is a huge difference between her ability this year and her
pasture potato status of last year. If we make an average of 6 mph I am
thrilled. If she can trot and canter for a mile without stopping, I am
ecstatic!! It certainly is not the same as riding my arab but it is a
whole lot safer. She gets the job done, just not very fast. But then
I am not so fast anymore either. The big plus is that I can ride her
spooks and not fall off. Each horse is different, if I didn't ride her so
much, I would probably limit her pasture time, but so far, knock on wood, she is
doing okay. Jeanie
