Horse Problem - Beet Pulp - Is beet pulp recommended for underweight nursing mare?
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QUESTION: I have a question. I have a mare that is still nursing her foal. However, she has lost muscle on her back, but has a hay belly. I have been told to feed her beet pulp. She is a rescued horse and was not used to being fed, so she eats everything in sight. My question: is beet pulp a good idea?
REPLY: I'm going to run your question here by a natural horsemanship trainer colleague, who is also a breeding/foaling expert, and who is featured in our Whispering Way™ Foundation Training Series: Complete Guide to Horse Breeding, Foaling and Foal Training, Featuring Bob Claymier
Bob Claymier's Response:
Sylvia asked me to weigh in here, but your question prompted a few more from me. It would be helpful to know the age of the mare, how old is the foal, what you are currently feeding her and if she is bred back.
It is not unusual for the foal to really pull the condition of the mare down, especially if she is, say, in her teens. Some mares really get "ribby" and look quite haggard during this process. While my main object is how the baby develops before I consider weaning, I also take into account the condition of the mare, especially if she is bred back.
Now to your question. Some folks do have good results feeding beet pulp, but I personally do not like it. You absolutely MUST ensure that it has been soaked with water properly before feeding it, otherwise you can cause some serious problems when the horse eats it (it swells up dramatically when moisture is added and will do the same in the gut if not soaked properly before being fed). It should be heavily soaked at least 12 hours before feeding and that begins to be a management problem, especially in the winter - the bucket would have to be kept warm to keep from freezing, etc. It is a way for horses to get some extra moisture should they not be drinking properly, but again, I just don't like the feed.
I would rather ensure she is getting a high quality grain specifically designed for lactating mares and growing foals, coupled with a good quality hay (perhaps even some alfalfa mixed in). If you would respond back regarding the above questions, we'll see what else may be at play.
I would also ensure that the mare's teeth are in good shape as well. Have a vet check to see if floating is necessary. Sylvia was kind enough to mention my recent DVD which contains information from mare and stallion selection, all the way through to weaning the foal produced. While you are beyond much of the information in the DVD, it also has sections on training and weaning the foal which you might find helpful. Get back to me and we'll see what next to address. Cheers!
-Bob Claymier
NOTE FROM SYLVIA: If you have a pregnant mare, new foal, or are involved in any way whatsoever with horse breeding, think about getting our new Whispering Way™ Foundation Training Series: Complete Guide to Horse Breeding, Foaling and Foal Training, Featuring Bob Claymier
I wanted to share here with you all a professional review that we recently received of this new video:
The Whispering Way™ Foundation Training Series partnership with expert and successful Arabian breeder, Bob Claymier, is nothing short of brilliant! This DVD is a "must have" for anyone considering or even currently breeding horses. Bob's unique background, his own personal time-honed approach to breeding, foaling and foal training make the latest Whispering Way™ Foundation Training Series: Complete Guide to Horse Breeding, Foaling and Foal Training, Featuring Bob Claymier DVD set invaluable. Don't breed your mare without watching Bob's comprehensive overview of the long, sometimes arduous, but very rewarding experience of horse breeding!
Tess Vanattia
Editor/C.O.O. - HorseSouth Magazine
Blue Ridge, Georgia
Complete Guide To Horse Breeding, Foaling and Foal Training
Set!
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