Dental Welfare in Horses and Ponies

Dental problems are a major source of unrecognised pain and welfare compromise in horses of all ages.

Key Facts

Over 50% of horses over 15 years have dental disease affecting their ability to eat comfortably
Sharp enamel points develop naturally on horse teeth and require regular rasping (floating)
Horses with dental pain show reduced body condition, altered behaviour, and resistance to bitting
Equine dentistry has professionalised significantly in the past 20 years with specialist qualifications
Wild horses wear teeth through natural foraging; domesticated horses on hay require active dental management

Welfare Considerations

Dental pain in horses is a significant welfare issue that is frequently unrecognised by owners. Horses are prey animals that mask pain effectively, and dental discomfort often manifests as resistance, headshaking, or poor performance rather than visible signs. Annual dental examination by a qualified equine dental technician or vet is the primary preventive welfare intervention. The connection between dental welfare and ridden performance means economic and welfare incentives align unusually well in equine dentistry.

What You Can Do

Arrange annual dental examinations for all horses and ponies
Learn to recognise signs of dental discomfort including head shaking, quidding, and food dropping
Use a qualified EDT or equine vet for dental work rather than unqualified practitioners
Advocate for dental examination requirements in equine welfare assessment frameworks
Ensure older horses receive more frequent dental checks as age-related dental disease accelerates