You are here:

Horses/Is this horse being neglected?

Advertisement

Expert: Amanda Groff - 7/10/2008


Question
Hey Amanda. I have been observing some nearby horses and I became concerned about one of them. The horse is producing milk for a colt and she has a big belly and her ribs aren't showing, but her spine is sticking out abnormally as if she has not been fed enough. I'm worried about her health, but I don't want to make a report to someone unless I know for sure that she is being neglected. Do you think that this might be caused from neglect?

Answer
hi heather,
well i would have to see pictures to really now, a healthy horse will have a round back and round quarters, its ribs showing and sunken eyes.if the horses ribs are not showing but its spin is then it could have a bad case of worms, bloating, or hay belly. if the horses quarters are bonie and are sunken in with no muscle then yes the horse is neglected. if you could send pictures i would be able to tell you for sure if the horse is neglected. my e-mail is follysjetfil@yahoo.com if you have the chance to send pictures.
amanda groff

Horses

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Amanda Groff

Expertise

I can answer any questions about anything. Training in all discipline's, nutrition, riding advice, and buying new horses. Just ask and I got all the answers. due to the high volume of questions asked, please allow extra time for me to answer you questions. also i will be lowering the number of questions i am asked per a day with my busy training schedule =)

Experience

training Thoroughbred racehorses with hall of fame trainer Jack Van Berg, champion barrel racer, assistant vet, training colts for all disciplines. exercise rider on the track for 3 years.Riding instructor for 3 years for English and western. assistant trainer for world class Reinner and trainer of champion Major Sno Chex, Donnie Bricker.

Organizations
APHA, California Horse Racing Board,Socal Cowgirls Club,Riverside Range Riders.

Publications
horse and rider

Education/Credentials
Equine Science, Equine Training Study, Equine Nutrition,and EquineAnatomy

Awards and Honors
State Champion Barrel Racer, Instructor of the year (at our barn) many western pleasure championships, #1 pole bender of the Riverside Range Riders, Cowgirl of the year for the socal cowgirl club

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.