How do you measure a horses weight?
By lindsey7
@lindsey7 (72)
United States
August 31, 2008 11:02pm CST
I've got the weight tape,which says measure heart girth weight.My problem is how can I measure her correctly if she is so emaciated that there is no back to put it around.I just got her and her whole back bone is protruding,no tenderloin to speak of.How do I get a correct weight on her.One measure says 700+ and another says 800+.She is a rescue her,I rescued her from a bullet.The people I got her from rescue her from death,but they have given up on her.Also what would be a good way to put meat on this horse without sending her system in shock.I know goats,but a horse is not a goat,so I am in need of help on this one!Thanks in advance.
1 response
@auntiedis (165)
• United States
2 Sep 08
lindsey7, if she is that emaciated, I would go with the 700 lb weight. Poor dear, thank you for rescuing her! As for not sending her system into shock, you want to take it easy on the grains, start her out slowly! You could probably start with a cup and a half in the morning and a cup and a half at night for about 2 weeks, and ease it up from there. Something mild, not a sweet feed (with corn and molasses), but a pelleted feed. Give her all the clean water and a lot of fresh hay!! A grass hay would be the best. I hope this helps! And thank you for saving her!
@auntiedis (165)
• United States
2 Sep 08
Oh, I forgot to add, you want to worm her for sure, she's probably never been wormed, or at least not recently, and worms will prevent her from putting on weight.
@lindsey7 (72)
• United States
3 Sep 08
I wormed her for 1000 lbs with ivermectin 1.87%.Even though her weight was not 1000 lbs.I felt that ivermectin was safe enough to overdose slightly.She is on browse with all the grass she can eat,about 20 acres.I put out good hay,but she won't touch it.What would be a good brand of feed to get her on.She found a pear tree and that is the only time her mouth leaves the grass.My neighbors have been trying to buy her off me,but I am hesitant to sell to them because they don't care for animals if they get sick.As long as they are thriving,they are happy,but when an animal gets sick,they wash their hands of them.Thanks for replying.If you have any other ideas,let me know.
@auntiedis (165)
• United States
3 Sep 08
Yes, the ivermectin should be fine, just keep up to date on it. Be sure her feet are in good shape too. She may need to see a farrier for a trim. I'm not sure what kind of pellets you have available in your area, if you go to the feed store, they should be able to recommend something for you, as each store carries different products. Just be sure it's not formulated for performance horses or such. Once she starts eating grain, you will know whether or not she needs her teeth looked at. If she bolts her food (eats it so very fast) you can put a large rock in the tub so she has to move it around to get the food, this normally slows them down enough so they chew. Be sure she has a salt lick available to her.
Go with your heart. If you don't feel it's the right thing to sell her to your neighbors, then please don't. She just may become the best companion YOU ever had. I am a firm believer that animals know who saved them, and show their gratitude in many wonderful ways.
Good Luck! If you have any more questions, please feel free to message me.
