Reducing your horse's calories - A 2 year story

NITRO BEGINS HIS WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY - AUGUST 2024

Managing a horse’s weight is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Follow along as we guide you through Nitro’s journey to shed 50kg and reach a healthier weight. 

Through a series of videos, we’ll show you how small changes can lead to significant results over time. Here’s what we’ve covered so far and what you can learn from Nitro’s progress.

Part 1: Meet Nitro and our weight loss plan

In our first video, we meet Nitro, a 16hh horse, who currently weighs 600kg and needs to lose 50kg to improve his health. We discussed how small adjustments to his diet and daily routine can lead to substantial results. Gradual weight loss is key, and consulting with a vet ensures a safe and effective approach.

Part 2: Weigh taping for accurate tracking

Our second video focuses on weigh taping Nitro to accurately track his progress. Proper weight tracking is vital for monitoring how well the weight loss plan is working. Using a weight tape allows us to ensure Nitro’s journey is on track and make any necessary adjustments to his diet and exercise plan.

Part 3: Soaked hay and managinging calorie intake

Soaking hay helps reduce the calorie content, making it easier to manage his overall intake. This simple adjustment can make a significant difference in controlling his weight while still providing the necessary fibre. Watch our video to see how soaked hay is integrated into Nitro’s feeding routine.

Part 4: Introducing a grazing muzzle

Part 4 highlights the use of a grazing muzzle to help manage Nitro’s grass intake, the largest provider of calories to his diet. The grazing muzzle is essential for controlling how much forage he consumes, which is crucial for effective weight management. By limiting his access to grass, we can regulate his calorie intake and support his weight loss goals.

Part 5: Feed Balancers with specific ingredients for weight loss

In Part 5, we dive into what’s in Nitro’s feed bucket and why feed balancers are critical for his diet. A feed balancer (ideally one formulated to support weight loss) ensures he receives essential nutrients while safely supporting his weight loss journey. 

Chaff and other fibre options can be added to help provide additional fibre, especially for horses on restricted grazing but ensure these are always low calorie options and only if needed.

NITRO UPDATE - JUNE 2026 - PIP'S TOP TIPS

Nitro’s weight loss journey is ongoing, and we’re excited to share more updates. How has his weight loss journey unfolded with tips for managing your own horse’s weight too. If you have any questions or need advice on equine weight management, the Blue Chip team offers free personalised advice to help tailor your horse’s diet and manage their weight effectively.

Nitro is living an exciting life today, his owner Pip has kindly shared all the factors that have helped him to lose over 50kg!

• Regular weigh tape and body condition scoring to track progress rather than relying on appearance alone
• Feeding a low-calorie balancer formulated to help reduce weight loss, not just reducing feed quantity
• Splitting forage into smaller holed haynets to slow intake and extend eating time
• Double-netting haynets to reduce speed of consumption
• Soaking hay consistently to help reduce calorie intake (you must feed a balancer if soaking hay as essential nutrients are lost in the process)
• Careful grass management depending on season, rainfall, sunshine and temperature
• Restricted grazing during high-risk flushes of grass growth
• Avoiding turnout on frosty sunny mornings when sugars can be higher
• Bringing him in during peak grass growth periods
• Adjusting turnout times based on weather conditions and grass quality
• Using a grazing muzzle proactively rather than reactively
• Keeping exercise consistent year-round rather than only in summer
• Variety in work including hacking, schooling, polework, jumping and lunging to keep him active and mentally engaged
• Building and maintaining muscle through more regular ridden work
• Encouraging active work rather than just gentle, steady rides
• Continue working on calorie deficit and active work through winter to approach spring leaner than before
• Managing his workload carefully as a 16-year-old to keep him comfortable and active
• Having a sharer to ensure regular and varied exercise throughout the week
• Competing and Pony Club activities helping to maintain routine fitness
• Monitoring saddle fit throughout weight loss changes
• Regular dental checks to ensure efficient chewing and forage utilisationRegular physio/chiro/bodywork to keep him comfortable in work
• Keeping rugs lighter where appropriate so he naturally burns more calories maintaining body temperature
• Avoiding unnecessary treatss
• Managing his routine differently through spring, summer and autumn rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach
• Focusing on slow, sustainable weight loss over a long period rather than quick fixes