No Horsing Around

I want to tell you a little story about a gal named Zenyatta.

She quit working last year and packed on 100 lbs before you could say “Giddyup.”

Yes, Zenyatta is a retired American champion Thoroughbred racehorse, winner of 19 consecutive races in a 20-race career which culminated with being named the 2010 Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year.

But it occurs to me that I haven’t done enough on my blog to address the needs of overweight horses. If you stopped by here today for weight-loss guidance or inspiration, then you probably should just move along. This post is specifically for horses (or for people who have a pet horse in their house).

Okay, Zenyatta… here’s my best weight-loss-for-horses' advice…

Just Say “Neigh” to Extra Hay. We’re a lot alike, Zenyatta… superior athletes bred from championship stock and used to working only a couple hours a day. But here’s the thing, Z… if you’re not gonna run like a racehorse, you’ve got to stop eating like one. At the end of the day, it’s all about calories in versus calories out. If you take in more than you exert, chances are those extra pounds you see on scale won’t be because you’re wearing iron horseshoes.

It’s Time to Hoof It. We all know it’s a lot easier to get in a good workout if somebody’s sitting on your back and hitting you over and over with a whip, but you’ve got to realize that exercise is it’s own reward. Don’t say you can’t canter, Zenny; there’s a big pasture out there, and there’s no reason you can’t get out there and gallop to your heart’s content. Stick with it and it won’t be long before you’re hot to trot again.

This is a Marathon, Not a 6½ Furlong Race. You made the mistake many of us make, Zenyatta:  you thought the finish line was the finish. The truth of the matter is that good health is a lifelong endeavor. Stay on track and I’m sure the studs will stand up and take notice.

I don’t mean to nag you, Zenyatta, but I’m sure that with some good food choices and a commitment to incorporating more activity into your daily routine, we can get you back down to your 1,200-pound racing weight.

Z, it’s time for you to get back in the saddle.