Equine metabolic syndrome characterized by insulin dysregulation and regional adiposity predisposes horses and ponies to laminitis, with welfare management centered on dietary control and exercise.
EMS causes significant welfare harm primarily through laminitis episodes that cause severe foot pain and lameness. Chronic laminitis leads to pedal bone rotation and sinking causing permanent structural damage and ongoing pain. The welfare burden of poorly managed EMS is substantial and prolonged. Prevention through weight management and pasture control is far preferable to treatment of repeated laminitis episodes. Horses with active laminitis require intensive welfare management including box rest, appropriate farriery, pain control, and dietary restriction that is difficult to sustain long-term.