Staying healthy
Following on from pony Velvet's assessment by SPILLERS(®) nutritionist Clare Barfoot BSc (Hons) RNutr, in the April issue of H+P. We'll be tracking her progress online.
Despite owner Sophie's best efforts with careful feeding and grazing management, veteran pony Velvet has suffered from laminitis twice over the last two years. Hoping to avoid a problem this year, Velvet's health is under scrutiny. After testing negative for Cushing's (a condition which makes sufferers more susceptible to laminitis), Velvet is having the medication prescribed for Cushing's as a preventative measure. Her diet, grazing access and exercise levels are also being carefully monitored.
May 28th Diary Update
Velvet is doing fine and looks really well! She's only getting three hours grazing a day. Her hard feed is exactly the same, although we're giving her an extra 1kg of hay as she's in the stable on her as her friends are now out 24/7.
She's being ridden as much as possible and is off to a dressage competition soon.
Velvet has lost the extra weight she had put on and now weighs the same as she did last summer.
Sophie asked SPILLERS(®) nutritionist Clare Barfoot:
"How can I help improve the condition of Velvet's hooves?"
Clare answered: Clare answered: The best way to improve Velvet's feet is to make sure she has a fully balanced diet that provides everything she needs. If Velvet still needs a little more support try feeding a hoof supplement that contains at least 15mg of biotin and perhaps some other minerals such as zinc. Any change in diet will take at least six months to show any effect in Velvet’s feet as hoof growth is very slow.
 Simone, Velvet and her owner Sophie |
 All Velvet's carers are working hard to manage her condition |
|
 Velvet's feed is carefully weighed every day |
 Velvet is ridden regularly to help her weight maintenance |