Hard keeper

A hard keeper is a horse that has a really hard time keeping on weight, even when you give them lots of yummy food. It's like they're always hungry and never seem to get enough. This can be a big problem because being too skinny can cause all sorts of health issues for horses.

So what makes a horse a hard keeper? Well, some horses just have faster metabolism, which means they burn calories faster than other horses. Others might have some kind of health problem, like a digestive issue or a parasite, that makes it harder for them to absorb nutrients from their food. And sometimes, a horse might just not be getting enough food or the right kind of food.

To help a hard keeper, you need to work closely with a vet or a horse nutritionist to figure out what's going on. They might recommend some changes to the horse's diet, like adding more calories or protein. They might also suggest feeding smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, so the horse always has something in their tummy. And if there's a health issue at play, they might prescribe medication or recommend other treatments.

With some patience and care, though, even a hard keeper can thrive!