Keeping Mrs Potts at a healthy weight has been a challenge but now, with the support of feed company Baileys Horse Feeds, a healthy balance has been found.
Posted on 16/05/2022
Mrs Potts, an attractive 14.1hh bay mare, is based at Hall Farm in Norfolk. She came into our care in 2015 as a 6-year-old, following a request to help another charity with a group of horses kept on wasteland in Bedfordshire. The site revealed a number of horses in poor condition, of which one – Mrs Potts – was very lame, underweight and heavily pregnant. She was also unhandled and had possibly previously suffered from laminitis.
Mrs Potts gave birth to a healthy filly foal at Hall Farm just one month later and both she and the foal thrived. Once Mrs Potts had fully recovered it soon became clear, however, that she was rather prone to weight gain and keeping her at a healthy weight was a challenge but now, with the support of feed company, Baileys Horse Feeds, a healthy balance has been found.
Since recovering, Mrs Potts has been rehomed to a number of homes and has been backed to ride, but her previous history means that she can only undertake gentle hacking and controlling her diet is a large part of the day-to-day management of this laidback and lovely mare.
“Mrs Potts is currently back with us at the farm and she is very popular when we are open to the public, meeting visitors, being groomed and showing her wonderful temperament.
“We are seeing increasing numbers of overweight horses and managing a horse prone to weight gain is not simply restricting the amount of food available. Careful planning must go into what food is given, whilst ensuring that all the vitamins and minerals necessary and with the generous support of feed company, Baileys Horse Feeds, her weight is under control.”
Sue Hodgkins, Centre Manager at Hall Farm
“We’re proud to support World Horse Welfare and their teams rehabilitating all kinds of horses, whether over- or underweight. Many people are surprised to learn that overweight horses benefit from carefully prepared balancers to ensure they get all the dietary support they need, whilst keeping the calories down.”
Graham Rice, Business Development Manager for Baileys Horse Feeds
Topics
Related News
Vets and charities pull together to help over 70 horses
A number of equine charities and Cambridge Veterinary School have been working together to help an overwhelmed owner.
Rescued ponies’ lucky escape from owners now banned from keeping animals
Ponies owned by couple banned from keeping animals are rehomed.
Recommended Blog Posts
Bringing horses back into work: how to restart youngsters, progress a horse’s rehab or get an all-rounder fit
Want to find out more about bringing horses back into work? Check out expert advice from Adam Cummins, Centre Manager at Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre.
The senior horse: nutrition in sickness and in health
Find out more about the key considerations when caring for older horses, whether in work or retired and whatever their health status.
Reflections on our relationship with the Balmoral Estate
Centre Manager Eileen reflects on Belwade Farm’s connection with Balmoral Estate – the Scottish residence of our late monarch Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – over the years.
Enjoy reading stories like this?
Join over 65,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Join over 65,000 other horse lovers and sign up for our email newsletter
Sign me up now