Equine Metabolic Syndrome Welfare

Equine metabolic syndrome is a common hormonal disorder in horses and ponies that causes laminitis. Management prevents the severe pain associated with recurring episodes.

Key Facts

EMS involves insulin dysregulation and often obesity, with strong breed predisposition in native breeds
Insulin dysregulation directly triggers laminitis episodes through blood vessel effects in the hoof
Native pony breeds including Welsh, Dartmoor, and Exmoor have high genetic risk
Dietary management with restricted grass access and low-sugar forage is central to control
Regular exercise supports insulin sensitivity but must be avoided during active laminitis episodes

Welfare Considerations

Horses and ponies with unmanaged EMS experience recurrent laminitis episodes causing severe hoof pain that can be completely disabling. The chronic nature of the condition means many animals suffer repeated painful episodes throughout their lives. Proactive dietary management, weight reduction, and monitoring for early laminitis signs can largely prevent recurrence. Testing for insulin dysregulation in at-risk breeds enables targeted prevention before the first laminitis episode occurs.

What You Can Do

Restrict grass access for native ponies and overweight horses especially during spring and autumn
Feed low-sugar forage tested for sugar and starch content to horses with EMS
Test for insulin dysregulation in native breeds before laminitis develops
Implement a supervised weight loss plan for overweight horses with veterinary support
Monitor digital pulses and hoof temperature regularly as early laminitis indicators