Putting Weight on a HYPP n/h mare

[blueberry]

I am sure this has probably been covered in the past, but I would appreciate any suggestions anyone has. I have 3 yo Impressive bred mare who is a picky eater. It seems as though this summer she is starting to get a little ribby and the BO says she does not seem to like this particular batch of hay being fed and wastes some of it in her stall. My other mare Tess has been eating the hay fine and looks great, so I do not think in particular it is something wrong with the hay. What would you suggest to help put some weigh on her before winter?? Someone suggested a product by calf manna or something to that affect. I would appreciate any advice, as I realize I need to pay attention to what I am giving her so as to not increase the odds of her ever becoming symptomatic.

[princesskristin]

hi blueberry I have an hypp n/h gelding who went through same problems. Talk to seerfarm, she can help you.

[paintedpastures]

I use Calf manna ,soaked beet pulp & oats & good hay.The Beet pulp she may not care for at first if she is a picky eater,but it is going to help with the weight gain. I find any horse I have had loves Calf manna & well of course oats so those shouldn't be a problem. Start with just a little scoop of beet pulp mixed in then gradually increase it as she get use to it before long they are gobbling it down.My newbies to beet pulp are usually not fond of it at first but bythe gradual introduction of it by end of week they are on to it . Calf manna is more a complete feed supplement/top dressing has been around for YEARS,so tried tested & true I say.lol I wasn't sure what supplement to safely use for a N/H horse,found that several halter folks used it successfully so went to that & have liked it. Although didn't like the price last time I bought,geeze went up several dollars Good thing with it you don't have to feed too much,so lasts better than alot of other products.

[PeggySue]

Watch the Potassium in whatever you are feeding I am not sure on teh levels as I RUN from HYPP horses ...

[ToveroMom]

Well even N/H horses need to be in good,safe homes-that understand their special needs. Some remain asymptomatic forever with proper care.
This is an article I keep in my file-written in simple english-and very informative.
http://www.ker.com/library/EQUINEWS/v9n1/art3.pdf

[PeggySue]

Originally Posted by ToveroMom

Well even N/H horses need to be in good,safe homes-that understand their special needs. Some remain asymptomatic forever with proper care.
This is an article I keep in my file-written in simple english-and very informative.
http://www.ker.com/library/EQUINEWS/v9n1/art3.pdf

I agree but after seeing some nonsysptomiatic horses turn systomiatic with no warning that home won't be mine ... a choice I made... I honestly think that any N/H shoudl not be bred..

That is a great article!!

[blueberry]

That is a good article T-mom, I have read it before. Just wondering what has specifcally helped put weight on other horses, ie.. the calf manna that was suggested, etc................................. I love my girl, she just happens to be hypp n/h and I want the best for her and that's why I am asking for others advice. It's about her, not about the whole hypp controversy.

[ToveroMom]

Oh well on that I agree,there should NOT be any bred. However-there are many N/H horses out there and they need proper care as well as the next horse.
I am NOT trying to change your attitude regarding them at all.
Some can be very good mounts-with an eye towards their condition.

[seerfarm]

Have you tried adding some steamed crimped oats?

[blueberry]

No I haven't--thanks for the suggestion.

[DappleGrayMyWay]

Blueberry, you're doing the right thing in a difficult situation. Even though a lot of people have strong feelings about HYPP horses, it doesn't stop responsible horse owners from taking the best care they can of the horses in this situation.

Look into your supplement situation. Remember that potassium is one of the triggers that can set off a reaction. That does mean not using the pink mineral/salt block, as you probably know.

Read labels of feeds. If there are mineral components, avoid the ones with potassium additives.

Beet pulp is a great gainer. So are some senior feeds. You can also prepare a mash with grains (no pellets).

You do want the horse to stay in good condition physically but I'd take care not to over-work, as the muscles can go into spasm and bring on an attack.

You could also talk to a nutritionist at a vet school to work out some ideas.

Good luck!

[Sunlei]

Originally Posted by blueberry

I am sure this has probably been covered in the past, but I would appreciate any suggestions anyone has. I have 3 yo Impressive bred mare who is a picky eater. It seems as though this summer she is starting to get a little ribby and the BO says she does not seem to like this particular batch of hay being fed and wastes some of it in her stall. My other mare Tess has been eating the hay fine and looks great, so I do not think in particular it is something wrong with the hay. What would you suggest to help put some weigh on her before winter?? Someone suggested a product by calf manna or something to that affect. I would appreciate any advice, as I realize I need to pay attention to what I am giving her so as to not increase the odds of her ever becoming symptomatic.

Lucky horse to have a caring owner. I'm not sure where you are around the great lakes, if you are close to this place..they have reasonable prices and the top equine care in the world. Can consult by phone or use their many equine special depts. They even have a 24/7 walk-in emergency center that has not closed in many years.

http://cvm.msu.edu/hospital

good luck with your horse.

I know this has nothing to do with HYPP and diet but isn't this so cool at MSU....

"Saddle pressure readings:
The McPhail Equine Performance Center is the first institution in the U.S. to have a digital saddle pressure-reading pad. With this special device we can detect pressure in 128 spots under the saddle and evaluate the fit of the saddle. Because this system is wireless, it is possible to have the horse work normally under saddle and evaluate the pressure on the horse's back while working with a rider. The pressure pad can also be used as a diagnostic tool in cases where back problems are suspected. ""

wish we had this in Texas A and M

[blueberry]

Thanks for the additional suggestions. I board my horse, so I have been talking with the BO also to figure out what to do. The suggestion to inquire at Michigan State was a great one!!! I will check out the website later on---I happen to be up so early now due to a dog with GI issues . MSU is only about 1.5 hours south of me, so in the event I ever needed high caliber horse care I am blessed. My BO had good success with a product called Max-E-Glow by the makers of calf manna. I bought a bag of that to try as a top dressing for her food. It is low starch, though I could not get a good handle onf the potassium I did read that the rice bran was not on the "high potassium" list of foods. I think Genie will be fine---that girl has the easiest life. She has had a saddle on and been backed, but other than that little bit, she gets to stand around and be loved. I know that stress and implementing rigorous training schedule can be cause for an attack, but about the most stress she would face would be a little bit of low caliber 4-H stuff. She is a beautiful, good girl and I am glad to have her and look forward to many happy, healthy years with her.

[PeggySue]

Blueberry please dont' take my above comment wrong... when I reread it I realized it came out really snotty or rude I did not MEAN for it to be that way at all... I just meant that I couldnt' help you because I have not looked into the HYPP diets ... but I have been since reading this post

The main thing seems to be keeping it balanced with the K levels as low as possible and good exercise program and limiting stress

[PeggySue]

I normally don't like to post feed sites but this one lays out SEVERAL HYPP diets that seem affordable and doable and also states what you can add to help with weight gain
http://www.southernstates.com/articl..._HYPPhorse.jsp

[Sunlei]

You are blessed! I wish I lived up north, we don't even have winter here ..it's like a swamp.

Try on your ground work with the horse to push her to reasonable high limits. Take her for trailer rides, pony her off your horses. Teach her to carry packs. Teach her arena jumping or something like that where you will know if the stress will cause problems.

Well before you take the risks of her having a attack when it is most dangerous. on her back. Won't stop all the risks of course but you may decide to not make her a riding horse at all.
just a suggestion, she sounds like a happy horse enjoying her horse-life

[ToveroMom]

You are doing fine blueberry-moderation is key.
If she is asymptomatic now-then she may go forever without an attack wih you looking out for her. Just keep a bottle of karo syrup in the barn and a big 60 cc syringe in the event of an attack. That way you can administer it and call the Vet.

[blueberry]

Originally Posted by PeggySue

I normally don't like to post feed sites but this one lays out SEVERAL HYPP diets that seem affordable and doable and also states what you can add to help with weight gain
http://www.southernstates.com/articl..._HYPPhorse.jsp

That was a great article PeggySue---thanks. As any loving mom would, I do just want to do the best for my girl, and I have seen too many threads asking for help turn into these huge debates. I have no hard feelings at all, I am a pretty friendly gal and it takes a bit to get my hackles up too much .

Thank you to everyone else that has posted here with suggestions or just a plain old pat on the back for trying to do the best for Genie. I like the suggestion about working her hard a bit to see if she becomes symptomatic. It is definitely good food for thought. The folks I got her from, who breed high $$ AQHA halter horses have only had one of their horses become symptomatic as far as they have ever know, and that mare had her episode when she was older. I know, like most of life, there is no guarantees, but at least they don't have breed lines that are having episodes all the time either. Here is a picture so you all can see my pretty girl.