Grass Isn’t Always Greener (Especially at 510 Pounds)

Guest Speaker: Moto Moto the Donkey 🫏

Well hello there, friends!

Samson said I could take over the blog this month. I told him I had some important things to say… and maybe a little donkey wisdom to share.

First off; I know what the groundhog said about spring. But let me tell you something… our winter coats are saying something VERY different. We are shedding our hair crazy. You can make another horse after we are done being groomed.

Now onto more important updates.

Vet Day News

The vet recently came out to see Mandy and my best buddy, Jamaal.

Mandy’s Update

Mandy looking enjoying her time out of the stall.

Mandy was relinquished to the rescue. We were told she could not be ridden, but no one could figure out why she was having issues. After a full physical exam, the vet discovered that Mandy had injured her withers at some point in the past. Because of that injury, she is NOT to be ridden.

And you know what? That’s okay. She is the absolute BEST pasture pal you could ever ask for. Not every horse needs a saddle to have value. Some of us are here to be companions, therapists, and professional snack enthusiasts.

Jamaal’s Update

Now my best bud Jamaal has been struggling to gain weight. There has also been a lot of talk about his eyes. The vet adjusted his feeding plan and gave his eyes a thorough exam.

On a scale of 1 being bad and 10 being perfect, Jamaal’s vision is about a 4.

That doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy life. It just means we take extra precautions to keep him safe and comfortable. And we do because that’s what happens here at Illinois Horse Rescue of Will County.

Let’s Talk “Horse Language”

One of the big reasons I asked Samson if I could write this month’s update is because we are often surprised by how much controversy there is about how we’re cared for and sometimes we forget not everyone speaks “horse.”

So let me help translate:

• Pasture – A grassy area where we can graze and play.

• Turnout – Time spent outside in a fenced area (could be grass or dry).

• Dry Lot – A fenced area with no grass.

Think of all of these like a fenced yard for a dog.

Now here’s the big question:

Do horses and donkeys NEED to eat green grass?

NO. NO. NO.

In fact, unlimited grass can trigger metabolic issues and severe health problems.

I know this personally. At my prior home, I was on almost 7 acres of pasture. I was what humans call an “easy keeper” (meaning I don’t need much grain or hay to maintain weight). Well… that pasture did not do me any favors.

When I arrived at the rescue, I weighed 510 pounds. That put me at a body condition score of 10.

For a donkey my size, a healthy weight is around 275 pounds.

Yes!!! I was almost double what I should have been. And that, my friends, is considered abuse. I also had all four feet X-rayed. The results showed I had foundered in ALL FOUR hooves.

Let me tell you... I did NOT enjoy those X-rays one bit. The vet and my human pals kept saying, “It’ll be over soon if you’re a good boy.” I did not care. It took FIVE humans to try to hold me still.

And just so we’re clear... I was still sleepy from the meds they gave me for my dental work! They say donkeys don’t get the nickname “stubborn butts” for no reason. I prefer “selectively cooperative.” They also guessed when removing my wolf teeth that I had never had dental work in my life.

After six months at Illinois Horse Rescue of Will County, with a healthy diet and exercise (sometimes guided by my human pals), I have lost almost 200 pounds. I feel better. I move better. My feet feel better.

So yes... I might love grass like you love chocolate. But unlimited chocolate isn’t good for you either.

Grass does contain vitamins that hay doesn’t. That’s why the little guys and girls at IHRWC get 10–15 minutes of controlled grazing time. Then it’s back to the dry lot. It’s about management and protection.

Now, I know some of you may be thinking, “My horses have been on pasture their whole lives and nothing bad has ever happened.” We are truly happy for you and your horses. We hope nothing ever does. But at IHRWC, they focus on prevention to ensure we are safe and healthy because we are a very fragile species.

Something Important to Think About

Do you know the top two reasons horses are euthanized?

1. Colic (severe abdominal pain)

2. Founder (laminitis)

Both can be linked to diet and management.

That’s why the humans here are careful. That’s why they make tough choices. That’s why dry lots and controlled grazing exist.

It isn’t about being mean. It’s about keeping us alive.

Thank you for taking the time to read my update.

Samson will be back next month with some BIG news… but I was told I am absolutely not allowed to share it.

Until next time,

Moto Moto 🫏