The starting point

I can just tell that by the end of the summer these pictures will haunt me. Just look at how FAT he is. I hate myself for letting him be like this even if he doesnt seem to mind.

I cut his food rations nearly in half. The pasture is growing back now and he doesnt need the amount of hay he was getting. He is pissed, when he finishes his portion he stands at the gate expectantly and occasionally paws at it. He is allowed no treats and doesnt even get his small amount of grain in the evening like he used to. (Its like 1 cup of grain and 1 cup of sunflower seeds, not much, just enough to give the guys something to look forward to). I hope he still loves me after all this is done.

Exercise-wise- our rides are primarily flatwork currently. Lots of trot work, just a little bit of canter but not much, he gets as winded as the fat asthmatic kid in 4th grade P.E. Come on, you all know exactly what I'm talking about. We did some trot poles yesterday. That was an experience. He had no idea what in the world to do with them and came to a dead stop for the first couple runs. Silly boy. Eventually we'll be doing some weekly jumping, but not quite yet.

And here are the pics of his royal fattyness from 2 days ago. Eating. Of course. Here's what I see, feel free to correct me or add. His muscle definition (which is there I promise) is hidden under fat, especially in the shoulder region and his buttocks. He has almost a double belly thingy going on, super man boobs and what looks like a beginning of a crest. It is an unflattering pose for him too, slightly angled away etc. excuses excuses. He has a very powerful butt, but it is for sure a bit flabby. His tail is amazing though :] He has enjoyed the mud lately, it took ages to groom him, these pics were about halfway through the first grooming sesh.