27/07/2026
Fat ponies and track grazing.
Little ponies like Chopper, only 10 or 11 hands high, are always going to need extra dietary management even with the extra exercise tracks provide.
With a grass track others prone to laminitis and also obesity, like Leo, are also a challenge.
There are the ones like Richie who prefer not to run around much, weren't getting ridden and, although bottom of the hierarchy, are particularly good at making sure they get plenty of food!
Then there's Dancer who is the boss and therefore can monopolise the haylage bale all day if left to her own devices. She loses weight easily enough if in work but has back problems so can't do that much at the moment.
So that is when I use a muzzle or "bucket". I like to make my own as the one time I splashed out and bought one it lasted only a week the bottom being ripped open in no time. I often use plant pots as they are usually more robust than many buckets. Chopper's fine green mesh "bucket" is actually a peg basket and was ideal once I cut out a few of the wires on the bottom so he could get
some grass.
You have to add a lot of holes, guessing the right size for the amount of grass the pony/horse needs on the bottom (experience helps!) and adding large holes top and bottom on the side for breathing and drinking.
The smaller the pony the more they seem to bash and push with the bucket so good padding is essential for them or they will rub their noses raw 😬🙄😟. Or is it just that Richie and Dancer are arabs and so less food obsessed or more delicate? They don't require padding at all and their noses are fine.
No one gets the bucket full time. At some times of year like now they can be free around the track much of the time - currectly Leo hasn't had his bucket on for a few months, just shut up at night with hay.
So while requiring individual management and extra care the bucket is a great way for even the food restricted to enjoy the freedom and social life of a track.
