Horse help

[mychocolabs]

Was looking for a pony for my kids and found a shetland that I was told was a trail horse.  She is great with the kids but was very thin.  I got her just over a week ago and I am trying to put some weight on her before I let the kids ride her.  I have also noticed that her coat is not in the best of shape any ideas as to what other things I should be giving her.  All I have done is wormed her and have been giving her beet pulp and grain, all the hay she can eat and I bring her out of the barn for fresh grass just don't want her to get too much.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[mychocolabs]

Was also told that she is a rescue horse, she is blind in one eye but it doesn't seem to affect her personality that much she is just a sweetheart who was dealt a bad hand but that is over and she will now have a great live with lots of love.

[GoatTalker]

Poor little thing. I would have the vet out, he/she can check the mares teeth. Be prepared, once she is fattened up, she may be a handful, and be careful, ponies can founder pretty easily.

[lilhill]

Pretty little girl, and I agree with Nic.  A good checking over would be a good start and go from there.  Good luck with her and for giving her such a loving home.

[dreamriver]

I would definitely have her thyroid +/- check for cushings.   she's a cutie

[Chaty]

Looks like she has found a home and I agree with the girls above. Some Shetlands are great and then ...but that was from the people that trained them. Give her time and love but dont spoil her with treats as this can cause problems. Yep I would call a vet and either take her in or them come out and also if the feet need done.
I worm mine on a regular basis and when their coat gets dull I add a handful of Black Oil Sunflower Seeds to the grain is sure makes them shiney...You just dont want to overdo it too fast. also she will need exercise so that she makes muscle and not fat. Just a few suggestions, hope this helps...

[KGWFARMS]

Oh my goodness, I can't belive I missed this post! Do you still have this pony? Did you have the vet out yet? Please be VERY careful with grass and introducing feeds, start very slowly. If she were mine, I would be feeding a good quality grass hay only. Supplimenting with a complete feed per instructions on the bag for the weight/condition of the pony. I would not put her on grass due to risk of founder. Just because a pony is "skinny" doesn't mean they cannot plump up very fast. If you do allow her grass, limit her to a couple hours in the morning and at night. if you are using beet pulp, dont forget to soak it, it does cause choke in horses. Has she been wormed? Do you know her age? Could she be a Cushings candidate? How are her teeth? She is just darling!!!!!! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!!!!! Good luck!!!