You can start with lunging 10 minutes a day at a trot for a week , then increase to 15 minutes at a trot for the second week , and progressively increase the duration until you reach about 45 minutes at least a few times a week . The benefits of exercise on glucose metabolism last about 24 hours . If it ’ s not possible to exercise your horse every day , 3 to 5 times a week will still be helpful .
13 . Pregnant mares need protein , not energy In the last months of pregnancy mares need more minerals and protein . Many people think the pregnant mare needs grains and sweet feeds containing molasses and grain by-products , to be certain all the needs of the mare and foal . Hay and / or pasture usually meet all the mare ’ s energy needs . However , supplementation with essential amino acids , vitamins and minerals is vitally important during the last 4 months . Broodmares should be on a high protein / fibre , oil-enriched , mineral-balanced diet and maintained at an optimal body condition ( BCS = 5 to 6 ) during pregnancy . Hay or a hay substitute is probably the only form of energy intake required . Supplementation with a ration balancer is important . Success of long-term dietary control of metabolic system relies on the elimination of feeds rich in nonstructural carbohydrates . Removal of grain , sweet feeds , restricted access to pasture , and a diet based on grass hay is required .
unifying mechanism of the insulin resistance found in a number of metabolic conditions . It is prudent to ensure that maintenance requirements are met .
Some horses are born with a genetic predisposition to weight gain - how we manage feed and exercise determines whether those genetics lead to problems . As we understand more about the impact that obesity on animal health , it is imperative that we strive to keep our horses at an optimum body condition .
Success of long-term dietary management relies on the elimination of feeds rich in starch and sugar . Removal of grain , sweet feeds , restricted access to rich pasture , and a diet based on grass / lucerne hay balanced for minerals , vitamins and amino acids , is the ideal way forward .
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14 . Magnesium deficiency has been shown to be associated with insulin resistance and is a possible underlying
AQHA MARCH / APRIL ISSUE 2022