Hard keeper? Maybe we can help.
Hard keepers don’t need to be a perpetual problem. If you have a hard keeper- here are some suggestions that can help.
In many cases, in fact over 50% of hard keepers are the result of parasites. Worming every 3-4 months is wise to avoid this problem. Horses will maintain better condition and less feed will be consumed if dewormed on a regular basis. Keep in mind; wormers should be varied each time as resistance to the same medication can occur causing a good wormer to become ineffective.
The next common issue in hard keepers, is a problem with their teeth. Teeth grind together as a horse chews causing wear. Top teeth are set slightly wider causing uneven wear. These sharp edges cause lacerations in the soft tissue in the mouth. This can be very painful causing your horse to not eat.
Running your thumb over the teeth to the back of the mouth over the molars can discover this. Sharp edges will be very evident. If this is evident in your horse, have your vet ‘float ‘ your horses’ teeth. This is done with a tool that resembles a file. If your horses teeth are not functioning properly digestion is impeded. Chewing breaks the food down allowing the stomach enzymes more surface area to attach to well-masticated food. Check your horse’s teeth at least once a year.
Another dental problem is ‘parrot mouth’. This is when the upper incisors protrude beyond the lower incisors. This causes difficulty grazing and picking up feed. ‘Sow mouth’ is the opposite condition producing the same results. Horses with these conditions should be fed a feed, which is easy to pick up. This is a genetic condition and horses with this condition consequently, should not be used for breeding.
Although less common than the other symptoms mentioned herein, metabolism may be the area of concern. Sometimes genetic, sometimes physical problems cause an inability to properly metabolize the nutrients your horse consumes. However, a ration higher in energy density, consisting of quality fat, quality fibre and increased vitamin and mineral levels, can assist such a horse. Also, the organic versions of these nutrients (such as those found in Equine Signature) are more available and more easily metabolized.
There are many good supplements on the market today but using more than one supplement at a time can cause you more problems than you might expect. Certain substances react with one another affecting uptake and transfer of nutrients to the appropriate site. Often the end result is the opposite of that which is intended, when supplements are combined. This can be to be harmful to your horse and even quite costly.
So, you have a hard keeper? Begin a regular deworming schedule (every 3-4 months and alternate dewormer product), check teeth every year and be sure your feed contains the nutrients necessary for proper metabolization. If these do not give you the desired result, check the ration. Hay should be tested and ration balanced specifically for the hard keeper based on breed, activity level and stage of development. Re-evaluate the ration as the horse reaches its desired weight.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local Minor Bros. store. www.minorbros.com or 905.774.7591
