In the equestrian world, horses come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own unique set of needs and characteristics. Among these, there's a special category of horses known as "easy keepers." These equine companions possess a remarkable ability to maintain their weight and health with minimal effort, making them a favorite among horse owners and caretakers.

Understanding Easy Keepers 

Easy keepers, sometimes affectionately referred to as "air ferns" in the horse community, have a metabolism that efficiently utilizes their food intake. Unlike some horses that seem to burn calories just by breathing, easy keepers thrive on a diet that might leave other horses undernourished. These horses tend to have the following characteristics:

Efficient Metabolism: Easy keepers have metabolisms that efficiently extract nutrients from their food, minimizing waste. This efficient metabolism allows them to maintain their weight and energy levels with less food.

Thick, Hardy Build: They often have a stocky build, with a sturdy frame and a tendency to carry extra weight. This build is conducive to conserving energy and maintaining a healthy condition.

Exercise Needs: Easy keepers don't require as much exercise as other horses to stay fit. They can maintain their weight and muscle tone with a moderate exercise routine.

Prone to Obesity: While their ability to maintain weight is a blessing, it can also be a curse. Easy keepers are more prone to obesity and related health issues, such as insulin resistance and laminitis, if not managed properly. And may require a lengthier exercise routine to keep those unwanted pounds off.

Caring for Easy Keepers

Taking care of easy keepers is a rewarding experience, but it requires some attention to detail to keep them healthy and happy:

Balanced Diet: Although they require less food than other horses, it's important to provide easy keepers with a balanced diet. Avoid overfeeding them, as excessive calorie intake can lead to obesity and health problems. Consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to create a suitable diet plan.

Regular Exercise: While they don't need as much exercise as other horses, easy keepers still benefit from regular physical activity. A consistent exercise routine helps them maintain muscle tone and overall health.

Monitor Grazing: Easy keepers often graze on pasture grass, which can be high in sugar content, especially during certain seasons. Use a grazing muzzle if necessary to limit their grass intake and reduce the risk of obesity and related issues.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keep an eye on your horse's body condition score (BCS) and adjust their diet and exercise accordingly. A BCS of 5 or 6 is generally considered ideal.

Feeding an Easy Keeper

Feeding an easy keeper horse requires careful consideration to ensure they maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being. Easy keepers tend to gain weight quickly, so it's essential to provide them with a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs without overfeeding them. Here are some guidelines on how to feed an easy-keeper horse:

1. Consult with a Veterinarian or Equine Nutritionist: Before designing a feeding plan, consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist. They can assess your horse's specific needs based on factors such as age, activity level, breed, and any underlying health issues.

2. Quality Forage First: The foundation of an easy keeper's diet should be high-quality forage, such as grass hay or mixed grass/legume hay. Avoid overly lush or rich pastures, as they can contribute to weight gain. Provide forage based on your horse's weight and activity level, typically around 1.5-2% of their body weight per day.

3. Limit Grazing Time: If your easy keeper has access to pasture, limit their grazing time to prevent excessive calorie intake, especially during the spring and early summer when the grass is high in sugar, or the early morning hours when fresh dew is present. Use a grazing muzzle if necessary.

4. Choose Low-Calorie Feeds: Select feeds that are designed for easy keepers or those with low-calorie content. Look for feeds labeled as "low-starch" or "low-sugar." Avoid grains like corn or oats, which are high in calories.

5. Balanced Diet: Ensure that your horse's diet is balanced with essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Consider using a ration balancer or vitamin/mineral supplement designed for easy keepers to fill in nutritional gaps without adding extra calories.

6. Monitor Feed Intake: Weigh or measure your horse's feed to ensure you're providing the correct portion. Be cautious with treats and supplements, as they can quickly add extra calories. Stick to small, low-calorie treats if you want to reward your horse. 

7. Adjust Diet as Needed: Be prepared to adjust your horse's diet as seasons change, activity levels vary, or their BCS fluctuates. It's a good idea to reassess their diet every few months or whenever you notice changes in their weight or condition.

Remember that every horse is unique, so it's crucial to tailor their diet and care to their individual needs. By following these guidelines and working closely with equine professionals, you can ensure that your easy-keeper horse maintains an ideal weight and enjoys a healthy, happy life.

Slow Down Forage Intake

Grazing Muzzle - A grazing muzzle is a device that fits over your horse's nose and mouth, limiting their ability to consume large amounts of grass or hay. This can be an effective way to restrict their intake while still allowing them to graze or eat.

Limit Pasture Time - Control your horse's access to pasture by using a grazing schedule. Turn them out for specific periods, and then bring them in or place them in a dry lot or paddock with limited grazing opportunities.

Dry Lot or Paddock - If you have the space, consider setting up a dry lot or small paddock with little to no grass. This area can be used to restrict your horse's access to pasture and provide an alternative to grazing.

Divide Pasture Space - Subdivide your pasture into smaller sections using temporary fencing or electric tape. This rotation system allows you to control where your horse grazes and prevents overgrazing.

Feed Smaller, More Frequent Meals - Instead of feeding your horse all their hay at once, divide their daily hay ration into smaller meals spread throughout the day. This can help prevent them from gorging themselves on hay.

Slow Feeder Hay Nets or Bags - Slow feeder hay nets or bags have small openings that make it more challenging for horses to pull out large mouthfuls of hay. This encourages slower eating and mimics natural grazing behavior.

Provide Distractions - Offer toys or other forms of environmental enrichment in the stall or paddock to keep your horse mentally engaged and less focused on eating.

Consider Alternative Forage Options - If your horse needs to lose weight, consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist about substituting some of their hay with low-calorie forage options like soaked hay cubes or beet pulp.

If your horse's grazing or eating habits are causing health issues or if they are consistently overweight despite your efforts, consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist for personalized guidance and dietary recommendations. It's important to strike a balance between allowing your horse access to forage and managing their intake to maintain a healthy weight. Implementing these strategies can help you control your horse's grazing and eating habits effectively while ensuring their overall well-being.