tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post6360296489808154270..comments2023-05-24T07:46:25.592-07:00Comments on Green n Green = Black n Blue: "Ribs"Brooke (FBX Adventures - In Parenting) http://www.blogger.com/profile/17040183680228006616noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-78392006517440374562010-12-01T10:36:49.328-08:002010-12-01T10:36:49.328-08:00Ophie's Mom=funny! Get on to blogging girl! :)...Ophie's Mom=funny! Get on to blogging girl! :)<br /><br />Ribs are sexy...just ask any TB ;)<br /><br />In all seriousness, some horses are prone to be ribby (mine can be that way) but as long as she's eating and is healthy, I think she's good. I would double check the parasites too like Frizzle mentioned.Kristen Eleni Shellenbargerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01458744919530540978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-68673938068485993242010-12-01T10:25:48.887-08:002010-12-01T10:25:48.887-08:00>And you can never give too much hay if they ke...>And you can never give too much hay if they keep eating it. <br /><br />I COMPLETELY disagree with that statement. Good way to kill a horse with kindness. If you have rich hay, many WILL overeat until it kills them.<br /><br /><br />My OTTB always has a couple ribs showing. There's a difference between the couple ribs and more, and it's a significant difference in his overall body condition. I learned that this fall as he showed that he's NOT one who will overeat on hay because he wouldn't finish all we gave him, we doubled his grain intake, wormed him, had his teeth checked, and he still got thinner. The vet agreed with me that he was a little underweight but not bad, and at first suggested we feed him Senior, but once he found out what we were feeding him (the Strategy which is meant to balance out horses fed bermuda) he said just to double that again. It's apparently seasonal for my horse to lose weight, and just something I'm going to have to deal with and greatly increase his feed for a 1-2 month period. If I weren't so aware of his topline, I might not have realized how much weight he lost, so having someone else point it out would have been helpful then.<br /><br />I agree that it can be annoying - but yet is still helpful. Maybe next time explain condition and weight to this person a little? Most horses with owners happy with their weight are actually obese, and it's very possible this woman doesn't understand healthy vs. overweight.Nethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08817230186352688525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-70817089957588386922010-11-30T22:41:30.472-08:002010-11-30T22:41:30.472-08:00I love this post! You see, here's my issue: Pe...I love this post! You see, here's my issue: People believe that, because it's a thoroughbred, it's ok if it's skinny. Some of the uneducated people don't know the difference between ribby and skinny, and it's sad when they give up because "it's impossible to get TBs up to a normal weight". If they have a filled out butt, back, and neck, then some ribs are ok. TBs especially have generally wide-set ribcages compared to their bodies because they need the extra lung capacity for racing. <br /><br />But often there are underlying problems. The possibility of ulcers was a great suggestion, and putting my mare on some stomach-soothers (alfalfa pellets, aloe vera juice, papaya, and oat flour) really helped her finish filling out. Now, she's only ribby when she's cold or a little dehydrated.<br /><br />Honestly, I have probably offended a few people (and I felt terrible!) commenting on their kinda skinny horses, and nowadays I try to hold my tongue because I am TERRIBLE at phrasing things well, but the bottom line is that if they don't know, they should. I didn't know when I got my first horse, and I sure wish someone had told me he was still skinny. <br /><br />You're doing a good job with Ophie. I'm a HUGE fan of rice bran, the horses love the taste and it beefed up 22 year-old post-Bad-Barn Sunny a very sizeable amount. And you can never give too much hay if they keep eating it.thenamesmarryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10561214564310463703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-16700422610959522362010-11-30T18:54:38.673-08:002010-11-30T18:54:38.673-08:00This is from Fizzle, but I am an idiot and deleted...This is from Fizzle, but I am an idiot and deleted it instead of publishing it.<br /><br /> Well, of course, I have to chime in. I am a horse person, and we are an opinionated bunch!<br />Regarding parasites -- even if you do a fecal egg count and it comes back "zero," that doesn't mean that the horse doesn't have any parasites. Tapeworms, encysted strongyles, neck threadworms, and possibly others that I am not remembering do NOT show up on a fecal egg count, so your horse very well might be infested. Either a.) Powerpack or b.) a double dose of ivermectin/praziquantel and then another two weeks later<br />will clear that up.<br />Ulcers would be my second bet. Scoping costs a lot, so I would just do a month of Gastrogard or double dose of Ulcergard and see if the horse's condition improves. If so, then switch it to one or more of the preventatives -- aloe vera juice, papaya, alfalfa, Tums, etc. <br />I would also up the hay -- generally, the more, the better. I try to keep them eating hay just about 24/7 if possible. <br />I could go on, but I'll try to rein myself in a bit! Of course, there are many more reasons why she could be thin, like others have mentioned. Or she could just have the metabolism that a lot of us wish we had!Brooke (FBX Adventures - In Parenting) https://www.blogger.com/profile/17040183680228006616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-34973516381076589782010-11-30T17:25:06.203-08:002010-11-30T17:25:06.203-08:00Ok, the comment about the metabolism as the love c...Ok, the comment about the metabolism as the love child of a greyhound and Kate Moss made my night! Thanks. <br /><br />That being said, I hear ya on the ribby thing. I have two 14 year old Himalayan cats who happen to be littermates. One is your typical heavy set (not fat) Himmie. The other, looks like a Siamese with long hair and a flat face. Try as I might I have NEVER been able to get Gizmo to fatten up in the five years I've had them. When my husband threatens to get them a lion-cut during the summer I ask him if he really wants a skeleton with pom-poms for feet walking around. So far, that's cured the lion-cut threats.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15321118722150772797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-9827771973909594002010-11-30T17:02:16.884-08:002010-11-30T17:02:16.884-08:00To Ophelia's mom:
I totally agree that a hors...To Ophelia's mom:<br /><br />I totally agree that a horse is waaaaay better off being a bit thin than being overweight. They are such large animals anyway that it's just not a good idea for them to carry excess weight. <br /><br />I'm big on dogs being thin too. I worked at a vet clinic and just about 98% of all the dogs were overweight, probably 50% being grossly obese. Think about it on a ten pound dog, just “one little pound” is ten percent of his body weight!<br /><br />So don't let anyone make you feel bad about ribs. I agree with Karen about well sprung ribs being impossible to cover without the horse being obese. The diet you're feeding Ophelia is great in my opinion. :) <br /><br />I agree with Rebecca also about people just not knowing what an appropriate weight is. Heck I get comments from my friends that I look anorexic because you can see my ribs!! Ugh! I don't think I'm too thin but I do need to work out because some muscle tone would help with the too-thin look, but I'm rambling off topic now lol. Great post!Achieve1dreamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15401246064499148344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-33273864255925607312010-11-30T16:56:21.158-08:002010-11-30T16:56:21.158-08:00I wish I had some wise advise for horse weight gai...I wish I had some wise advise for horse weight gain (then again I wish I had a horse). Thanks for the wonderful post - we ALL should be accepting of how nature would like us to be (healthily of course!).WishIHadAHorseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08658225870536527537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-24374637170779110992010-11-30T15:09:52.048-08:002010-11-30T15:09:52.048-08:00Oops, I totally lied. I also have Miles on ProBio...Oops, I totally lied. I also have Miles on ProBios...a probiotic. I also think that's made a difference, and if nothing else I think it helps with other issues besides weight gain-SO much of horses overall health is tied to their gut. Also, it is CHEAP! Literally I think I can get him almost to the end of the year for around 30 bucks.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08665170020323796310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-56779955515413424092010-11-30T15:07:07.111-08:002010-11-30T15:07:07.111-08:00LOL, yeah, weight in horses is such a can of worms...LOL, yeah, weight in horses is such a can of worms. Good for you for being at peace with a ribby horse! <br /><br />Miles is that way too, though right now he looks better than ever. I actually scrapped all "weight gain" supplements, though in addition to his grain and hay he does get beet pulp and rice bran. I do think the rice bran made a big difference. Still, I think some horses are naturally ribby, especially (and obviously) TBs. I've previously always had or worked with very easy keepers, so it was an adjustment. Still, now I see so many FAT (really, obese) horses I dunno which is worse. We all just do the best we can, I suppose:)Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08665170020323796310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-83827167363593186472010-11-30T14:48:00.803-08:002010-11-30T14:48:00.803-08:00Personally, I'd prefer a horse to be slightly ...Personally, I'd prefer a horse to be slightly underweight than overweight.<br /><br />Also, my younger Border Collie's ribs often show too. At the moment you can't see them unless he is wet (though you can most certainly feel them), but normally they show a little bit. The vet says he is one of the most athletic, beautifully conditioned dogs she sees in her practice. He is just super athletic, with a crazy metabolism that isn't tamed by the amount of food he gets. He gets roughly twice as much food as my older, slightly overweight BC who has a horrible time losing weight (the younger one weighs 40 pounds, older weighs 58). <br /><br />People still give me a hard time when I take him places, because they are all convinced that he is starving. I honestly think that this is because everything is fatter nowadays, so people think you shouldn't even be able to feel ribs ever. There are so many overweight animals that people have a skewed view of what normal weight is.<br /><br />Not defending people whose animals are grossly underweight, of course, but there is a difference between that and an animal that is naturally lean.Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04543086831039313707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-34945770414881754382010-11-30T14:39:50.765-08:002010-11-30T14:39:50.765-08:00I've actually heard good things about brewers ...I've actually heard good things about brewers yeast too (although I've never used it.)Brooke (FBX Adventures - In Parenting) https://www.blogger.com/profile/17040183680228006616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-11405097433961249822010-11-30T14:37:17.990-08:002010-11-30T14:37:17.990-08:00You're right - it's better that people car...You're right - it's better that people care enough to ask, so long as they ask politely.<br /><br />I prefer my horses to only have the last ribs able to be felt, but none showing. That said, every horse has its own metabolism. You might want to consider pre/probiotics to improve digestion, consider a Panacur power pak and make sure any dental issues are addressed. Having the thyroid levels tested could also be a good idea. We've had good luck with some of the high-fat/low-carb feeds like Ultimate Finish in keeping weight on hard keepers.<br /><br />Thanks for guest posting!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-84269344374420126542010-11-30T14:33:35.403-08:002010-11-30T14:33:35.403-08:00hee hee this makes me giggle because I get the EXA...hee hee this makes me giggle because I get the EXACT same comments sometimes. My horse is not think either, but yes his ribs do show. And I think I've figured it out. I think some horses (like mine, and maybe Ophie) just have friggin WIDE rib cages. Like, if you packed on enough fat to cover their ribs there there would be TOO much fat in other areas. That is just how they are, their ribs are going to show. :-)Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11609268980526224486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-84739031545179953862010-11-30T14:30:51.622-08:002010-11-30T14:30:51.622-08:00Great post. A lot of horses are destined to be &qu...Great post. A lot of horses are destined to be "ribby" when I was taught about conditioning in exercise physiology a horse that was fit but had ribs showing was considered "racing fit". Not skinny, not under worked but in condition for a horse working hard. This term came from the classic thoroughbred race horse musculature.<br /><br />Of course since you asked I'll put in my two cents. Brewers yeast (make sure its brewers, not regular baking kind I get mine from the bulk food store) 1-2 tbsp a day. Cheap and has not failed me yet on both hard to keep horses (like several thoroughbreds, old horses with no teeth, standardbred and one old, poop covered starved horse (Naigen) and even dogs.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14523660446608394720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-19082631996230694662010-11-30T14:10:52.814-08:002010-11-30T14:10:52.814-08:00Another beautifully worded entry full of truth and...Another beautifully worded entry full of truth and good perspective.Domhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00139769676714813261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-78667768072682839032010-11-30T13:55:41.020-08:002010-11-30T13:55:41.020-08:00I have a friend who worked rehabbing OTTBs for yea...I have a friend who worked rehabbing OTTBs for years & she SWEARS by black oil sunflower seeds. Having a morbidly obese pony, I have not tried them myself - but they are supposed to be great health wise (a bit vague, but it's all I got lol) & really fatten 'em up (& they're cheap!) Just a note, but I'm sure she's fine. :) lol Enjoying the guest blogs - & continuing the prayers for both you & Miss D. I also am not particularly religious, but there is no doubt in my mind there's a greater plan for her, just too many coincidences!Beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07725804934293810949noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-31720331935675771862010-11-30T13:29:33.009-08:002010-11-30T13:29:33.009-08:00I love Ophie's Mom! That totally hit the nail...I love Ophie's Mom! That totally hit the nail on the head (I speak as the mother of another hard keeper and totally sympathize). Those nosy neighbors at the barn are pretty annoying, but she's right... if someone had been nosy enough to educate a person who "didn't know any better," that person's horse might have been better off. <br /><br />p.s. - Hope you get good news from the vet.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13790278181159401158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52371353161094311.post-4405416834760678842010-11-30T13:24:58.984-08:002010-11-30T13:24:58.984-08:00and why does she not have her own blog???and why does she not have her own blog???Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10984295912656964300noreply@blogger.com