Case studies

World Horse Welfare - Ria

                                               Before                                                                                        After

Ria, a 15.1hh Welsh Section D mare, arrived at Hall Farm (WHW HQ in Norfolk) in November 2007. 

When she arrived she weighed 632 kilos and had a fat score of 5 (obese).  When Ria was assessed on arrival she was found to have sidebone and pedal bone rotation, which meant she couldn’t be exercised. This made it extremely difficult to manage her weight as the yard staff had to use diet alone to help her shed the pounds.

They rose to the challenge and, by feeding her soaked hay little and often, with the addition of a vitamin and mineral supplement to make sure she was getting everything she needed, she has lost a significant amount of weight.

By November 2008 her weight had dropped to a far healthier 548 kilos – this is a loss of over 13 stone. Ria was re-x rayed and we found there was improvement in the pedal bone rotation, which is fantastic news.

Ria will soon be re-assessed to see if there is any chance of bringing her into light ridden work or if she will need to be rehomed as a non-ridden companion.

- Samantha Lewis, World Horse Welfare Right Weight Project

For more on Ria and the Your Horse Right Weight Challenge, see issue 318 of Your Horse, out Jan 29

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