If I restrict his grass intake, will he be getting adequate fibre in his diet?
Nutritionist Christine Smy replies: Most pony owners dread the emergence of spring grass, not only because of the problem of the pony laying down fat, but also because of the high incidence of laminitis among native breeds. It is advisable to restrict your pony’s intake of grass during the spring and summer months. There are several methods which can be used to restrict grazing: • Create a starvation patch by fencing off a small section of the field. • Strip graze the field withthe aid of electric fencing, slowly extending the grazing area once all the grass has been eaten down. • Borrow some sheep from a farmer – these animals are great mowers. • Stable your pony for 24 hours. This option is only advisable as a last resort as he may start to become depressed due to both isolation and boredom. • Use a bucket muzzle. Don’t leave a muzzle on for longer than eight hours and stable the pony with hay for the rest of the time to prevent him pigging out when his muzzle has been removed. If yo
