Laminitis is one of the most painful and debilitating conditions affecting horses and ponies, and its prevention through appropriate management is central to equine welfare.
Laminitis causes acute, severe pain often described by veterinarians as among the worst experienced by horses. Affected horses adopt a characteristic 'rocking horse' stance to take weight off painful feet. Chronic laminitis causes permanent hoof changes and ongoing welfare compromise. The condition is largely preventable through appropriate diet and weight management, yet remains extremely common because owner understanding of risk factors is often inadequate. Overweight native ponies on rich grass are the highest risk group. Prevention requires active monitoring of body condition score, grazing restriction during high-risk periods, and prompt veterinary assessment at the first signs of discomfort.