Horse Equine Metabolic Syndrome: Diet and Exercise Management

Equine metabolic syndrome causes insulin dysregulation and laminitis risk. Dietary management and exercise are the cornerstone of EMS welfare management.

Key Facts

EMS involves insulin dysregulation causing abnormal responses to dietary carbohydrates
Native pony breeds including Natives, Andalusians and Morgans are disproportionately affected
Affected horses are at dramatically elevated risk of pasture-associated laminitis
Restricting access to high-sugar spring and autumn pasture is the key dietary intervention
Resting insulin testing helps identify horses at elevated laminitis risk before episodes occur

Welfare Considerations

EMS horses face chronic laminitis risk that causes recurrent episodes of severe foot pain. The management challenge is that grazing — a core natural behaviour — becomes welfare-threatening for EMS horses on lush grass. Track systems with low-sugar hay provision, grazing muzzles and strip grazing allow some controlled grass access while limiting carbohydrate intake. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity and is an important welfare-positive intervention where laminitis allows. Regular monitoring of insulin levels, body condition and digital pulse guides management intensity appropriately.

What You Can Do

Request resting insulin testing for any native-type pony that is overweight or has had laminitis
Restrict pasture access during high-risk periods — spring flush and autumn regrowth
Use a track system or grazing muzzle to allow controlled grass access for EMS horses
Feed low-sugar hay soaked for 30-60 minutes if required to reduce water-soluble carbohydrates
Introduce controlled daily exercise once any acute laminitis has fully resolved