Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Hank's weight management program

According to my favorite source for all things horse-healthcare-related, thehorse.com, if given free access to pasture, the average horse "will spend 60-70% of their time grazing, with considerable walking activity, especially in large fields."


I've always believed that Hank is above average in all categories, so it doesn't surprise me to find him eating or looking for something to eat 100% of the time. Ok, maybe that's an exaggeration. We'll call it 99% of the time.


Hank: And there's a problem with that?


Hank: You'd best be saying nice things about me.


Hank has weighed about the same amount – 1,064 pounds – for the 10 years we've been together, so all that grazing appears to do no harm. I suspect he burns off any excess calories consumed by swishing his tail. Roll your mouse between the margin and the picture to see what I mean.

20 comments:

  1. Dear Hank,
    thanks for sharing this secret. I will wear my hair in ponytail from now on.
    P.S. You are such a good looking horse!

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  2. He IS a good looking horse! I need to swish my tail, too!

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  3. He's got a great swish!

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  4. Hello, handsome Hank. Perhaps next time you're together, you can share some of your weight management secrets with Big E? :)

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  5. Dear Hank...
    That sounds like a tall tale to me eh ! :D

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  6. He really is a beautiful horse.
    Best always, Sandra

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  7. He really is a good looking horse. I can see how he captured your heart and soul.

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  8. Estella from Co.10/4/11, 6:47 AM

    Hank IS one FINE horse. YOU have done a great job in keeping him fit, I believe the grazing and being able to walk not just in a run but a larger area is the answer. You must admit your grazing area isn't as lush and green as so many of us have and I think that makes all the difference. Keep up the great work. Your lack of lush green grass was just one of many reasons I thought Lucy would do just GREAT with you...and the shape (lack of fat)of George and Alan. Hugs to all

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  9. So, if I graze all day, I won't ever gain a pound! Brilliant.
    I suspect I may need to do more tail swishing, though. :)

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  10. he is beautiful... got a question... how do i find the post you made abotu how to make the artisan bread?

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  11. He certainly looks to be in fine form, to me.

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  12. A 1,000 pound animal is absolutely stunning, isn't it?? I actually know this from personal experience since a lovely horse named Jake accidentally stepped on my oldest daughter's foot once...Yikes.

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  13. Or searching for something eatable! Poor horse, I feel sorry for the horses of the west, you call that grass?! Sorry grew up on the east coast, now there horses had grass. He looks pretty great however!

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  14. Best mouse over EVER.

    Sure do love that hunk.

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  15. Hank knows just how handsome he is. He has a perfect balance thanks to your planning and care.

    Favorite parts of book Secretariat describe what "Big Red" ate daily. He ran it off in fine form while training and racing.

    Kentucky pastures add to heft of retired racehorses, but I always think they have earned it :)

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  16. I absolutely love your animals prospective on things! Very talnented indeed! :)

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  17. Looks like he manages his weight just fine. Of course, the grazing isn't Kentucky Bluegrass by any means so I don't think he's getting too overfed.

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  18. Hank is a hunk of a handsome horse! Somehow I don't think the calorie count of your grass is going to make him fat. :)

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  19. He is amazingly gorgeous! Yes, FINE is the word. Grazing and walking... it is what they were meant to do. What a perfect life he has. Love the profile shots and the scenery shots... I just love it all :)

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  20. Being awesome burns a lot of calories too y'know! :D

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