The most important thing to understand about Easy Keeper horses is that the term ‘Easy Keeper’ refers to a horse that maintains its weight on minimal feed, not a specific breed. For beginners, this temperament can be a double edged sword; while they are often calm and steady, their efficient metabolism means strict diet management is crucial to avoid obesity and related health issues. Our editorial team emphasizes that understanding this balance is key to a successful partnership with an Easy Keeper.

Easy Keepers are not a single breed but a metabolic type found in many breeds like Morgans, Quarter Horses, and ponies. They typically have a friendly, willing temperament, making them appealing to beginners. However, their easygoing nature can mask health problems if overfed. Beginners must learn to read body condition and adjust feed accordingly, focusing on forage based diets with minimal concentrates.

Temperament and Behavior of Easy Keepers

Easy Keepers are generally known for their calm, steady, and willing temperament. They often have a sensible nature, rarely spooking or becoming overly anxious. This makes them suitable for beginner riders who need a reliable mount. However, their laid back attitude can lead to laziness if not given enough exercise and mental stimulation.

These horses are often highly food motivated, which can be both a blessing and a curse. They are easy to train using positive reinforcement, but they may become pushy or develop bad habits like cribbing if fed too many treats or concentrated feeds. Beginners should establish clear boundaries around feeding times and avoid free feeding.

Socially, Easy Keepers generally get along well with other horses, though their efficient metabolism means they may need to be housed separately from easy keepers on a richer diet to prevent weight gain. Their calm demeanor also makes them good candidates for trail riding and light work.

Diet and Nutrition Management

The defining trait of an Easy Keeper is its ability to maintain weight on minimal feed. Their diet should consist primarily of good quality grass hay or pasture, with limited access to lush grass to prevent laminitis and obesity. Many Easy Keepers can thrive on hay alone without grain, especially if they are not in heavy work.

Vitamin and mineral supplements may be needed to balance the diet, but concentrates like sweet feed should be avoided or given in very small amounts. Soaking hay can reduce sugar content for horses prone to metabolic issues. Regular body condition scoring (using a 1 to 9 scale) is essential to adjust feed. Beginners should learn to feel for ribs and fat cover rather than relying on visual estimates.

Key dietary rules for Easy Keepers include:

  • Provide unlimited clean water and salt.
  • Use slow feeder hay nets to extend foraging time.
  • Avoid high sugar treats and limit grazing to short periods.
  • Monitor weight weekly and adjust hay amounts.

Housing and Exercise Needs

Easy Keepers require housing that prevents overeating. Ideally, they should have a dry lot or paddock with minimal grass rather than lush pasture. A sacrifice area with a run in shed works well. If turned out on pasture, use a grazing muzzle to limit intake. Stabling should provide adequate ventilation and space to move.

Exercise is crucial for Easy Keepers to maintain a healthy weight and prevent boredom. They need daily turnout and at least 30 minutes of ridden or lunged work, five days a week. Without exercise, they can become overweight and develop behavioral issues like wood chewing or weaving. Beginners should establish a consistent routine that includes groundwork, trail riding, or light schooling.

Bedding choices like straw can be consumed by hungry Easy Keepers, so consider using wood pellets or shavings. Regular hoof care and dental checks are also important, as founder and dental problems can be linked to diet.

Common Health Concerns

Easy Keepers are prone to obesity related conditions, most notably laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). Laminitis is a painful inflammation of the hoof laminae, often triggered by high sugar intake. EMS involves insulin resistance, making weight loss difficult. Both require immediate veterinary attention and strict diet control.

Other health issues include Cushing’s disease (PPID) in older horses, which can cause a long curly coat and increased thirst. Regular blood tests can screen for these conditions. Founder can also occur, so hoof care is critical. Beginners should work with a farrier experienced with metabolic horses.

Preventive care includes:

  • Weight management through diet and exercise.
  • Regular veterinary check ups and dental exams.
  • Hoof trimming every 6 to 8 weeks.
  • Monitoring for signs of laminitis, such as heat in hooves or reluctance to move.