Joe's Weight Loss Journey: A Good-Doer Cob
Equine Podiatrist: Helen Stowell
Horse: Joe, 11 year od Cob
Background: Joe is a good-doing cob, who like many can put on weight very easily. His issues with obesity started in October 2024 after Joe was put onto a very large ungrazed field, grass knee-deep, for three weeks. He ate it all.
Then he went onto his winter field which was also ungrazed and he ate that. It was then he showed a little lameness (2/10) on his right fore, not noticeable by the vet. Physio was also unconcerned.
The owner decided to reduce his weight and see if there would be an improvement in the lameness.
In spring he went onto a 12-acre ungrazed hay field. Grazing muzzles made him miserable and rubbed so the next plan was to restrict grazing. The owner created a dumbbell-shaped area for restricted grazing and was able to gradually expand over the summer. Other ponies also needed restricted grazing and so he was not on his own.
His work was increased to 4-5 sessions per week from 2 sessions previously. The tape measure showed 540 kg at the start and two years later he is now 420 kg.
He is now sound and competing at endurance. His energy levels are much higher and he's much more forward. He’s now managing 10kph over 20km easily with a starting HR of 36 and recovery HR of 45. Although he has a visible crest, it's now floppy / loose and far less alarming.
Here are some pictures of what he's been doing, getting weight off a good doer can be really hard work but improves their health so much.
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