Sheraton

There is a horse that I am considering getting, but it is seriously underweight. I'm not sure that I want to get involved with this particular horse, since it will be my first. I am curious though, what could be done for a horse that is incredibly underweight? Are there any supplements that would benefit an underweight horse?

MorganManiac

I would first find out why the horse is so underweight. Especially if this is your first horse, you wouldn't want to have a sick animal to deal with, including the extra vet bills. Horses have supplements that can be given just like people can but if it's due to illness that could be a whole other story.

Shush

I agree that you need to know whether the horse is simply malnourished-which can be fixed by simply giving it the right amount of food to eat, or whether there is an underlying health issue. Things like parasites can cause weight loss, or cancers and so on. You need to know-it could prove very expensive.

purplefdu

Not all malnourishment can be fixed. Severely malnourished horses may never regain their original vigor. Some lingering traces of malnourishment can include coat color changes, sunken indentations above the eyes, hoof problems, and weak bones.

You do need to know if its a matter of parasites, disease or lack of groceries thats causing the weight loss.

Just feeding the horse enough is not an instant fix either, it needs to be done slowly, under supervision, and with adequate exercise to prevent it going on as fat and not muscle. Supplements could help depending on the cause of the weight loss. Many neglected animals have sweet, forgiving personalities and make great first horses due to their more relaxed nature.

Shush

I agree that they can be wonderful animals. What's more, though you need to be cautious, all abused and neglected animals deserve the chance at a good home. If you have the resources to find out what the problem is then I applaud you for being willing to try and help.

maro

I would have to agree here the last thing you want to do is get into a bad situation. If you can find out why please do before you even attempt to come to a purchase agreement here with the current owner. I have seen so many people with horses they dont care care of proper and a new owner ends up getting in trouble for it either with all the vet bills or the local SPCA.

alexis

It would be very sad to find out the person selling this horse had somehow either gotten into a situation that nothing more could be done with it or ended up just neglecting an issue that could have been prevented. Get a vet for sure.

Sheraton

Great advice all around. I declined the offer for many of the reasons listed in this thread. I know that even abused and neglected, even sick, animals need love and care, but I just don't think it's right for me to take on such a big project as my first horse. The person I was talking to about buying it is not the owner who abused it, it actually came from somebody that she knew. Hopefully the horse has found a good home with her.