Born 2009, sire is GLG I Got the Gold, dam is GLG Gold Dust

As veterinarians owning gypsy horses, we are asked many interesting questions. Each month we will review a question and, if applicable, discuss probable causes, treatments and outcomes. These articles are not meant to replace the relationship you have with your own veterinarian. In fact, we encourage you to seek their advice. As we all know, many times there is more than one approach to any given problem.

An excellent question was brought up by a young horse owner last month. Evelyn said that she didn’t ride her horse on a regular basis, but when she did, it was for a couple of hours at a time. Her question to me was: Should I feed my horse more after I ride her, so that she doesn’t lose weight?

Horses that are ridden infrequently do experience a temporary increase in their energy requirement. The temptation is to meet that temporary need with grain fed only on the days the horse is ridden. If the amount of grain is less than a pound or two, there may be no consequence to that approach. However, if the horse has been maintained strictly on hay, and is fed three or more pounds of grain, colic and founder are real possibilities. The population of microbes in the cecum and large intestine in this situation are primarily fiber fermenting bacteria that require a relatively high pH (7.5-8.5) to live and work efficiently. If significant amounts of starch from the grain don’t degrade in the small intestine and move into the large intestine for fermentation, this can result in the production of lactic acid, which would lower the pH. Lower pH slows the rate of passage, increases gas production, and in severe cases the fiber-fermenting bacteria may die off in large numbers, thus resulting in the release of endotoxins. These endotoxins are a major contributor to colic and founder in the horse. Now though, if the horse has been consuming some grain previously, then the risks associated with increasing the grain on a short-term basis are lessened. In either case, Evelyn, the better approach is to average the feed over a week or more and maintain a consistent daily ration.

If you have a question concerning your horse’s health and well being, email Dr. Bryk at askthevet@goldenlinkgypsies.com

Katrin, GLG Enchanted Feathers, born 2000, sired by Rolex, dam is Sugar who is by Tonto and out of Annie, imported from the Ned Basset herd of Wales.

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Hanna, registered name GLG Golden Ticket, born 2000, Sired by Charly, dam is Dallas by Ranger and out of Mazzy. Also imported from the Ned Basset herd of Wales

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GLG Gold Dust Woman, born 2004, Sire is Tim, dam is Mystique who is by Tunny and out of Missey

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GLG Queen of Shangri-La, She was born in 2005, Her sire is Monty and dam is Angel, who is by The Mint and out of Montanna. Fawn was imported from the Ned Basset herd of Wales.

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Beethoven is a 2008 (yearling) colt by Casper and out of our imported mare Fawn (GLG Queen of Shagri-La). He is quite the guy. All boy, but mannerly. Sporting a 50/50 black and white combination coat and the best of the Gypsy characteristic that we all love.

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Babushka, is a 2008 filly by Casper and out of our own imported mare Katrin (GLG Enchanted Feathers) Babushka is a gorgeous brown and white filly with outstanding form to function! She is beautifully marked and with plenty of feather. She is following in her sisters footsteps in being a diva! She floats around the pasture tossing her gorgeous locks insisting that we all look at her!

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Bojangles is a 2008 colt out of our own imported mare known as Nona (GLG Magic Crystal Ball). Bojangles suits his name! He is quite the entertainer! His sister is currently under saddle and doing exceptionally well. Check out Bojangles mother! She is specially priced for a summer/fall sale!

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Bathseba (gypsy yearling filly) is a gorgeous girl with quite a bit of height. She is by Casper and out of our imported mare Jackie (GLG Roses and Rain) This girl has the movement and upright neck to be a wonderul dressage competitor. Gorgeous blue eye compliments her beautiful head and conformation.

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