Horse Laminitis Prevention: Diet, Exercise and Welfare Management

Laminitis is one of the most painful and common conditions in horses and ponies. Understanding its causes and prevention is essential for responsible equine welfare management.

Key Facts

Laminitis affects an estimated 7-14% of horses and ponies in the UK each year
It involves inflammation of the sensitive laminae connecting the hoof wall to the pedal bone
Severe laminitis can cause rotation or sinking of the pedal bone through the sole - a welfare emergency
Dietary causes include high non-structural carbohydrate intake, particularly spring grass
Overweight horses and ponies with equine metabolic syndrome have dramatically higher laminitis risk
Grazing muzzles can reduce grass intake by up to 80% in high-risk horses on spring pasture
Cold hosing, deep bedding and box rest are immediate welfare management steps during acute episodes

Welfare Considerations

Laminitis causes intense, chronic pain that fundamentally compromises horse welfare. The laminar tissues are richly innervated; their inflammation causes pain equivalent to severe bruising across the entire hoof. Horses with active laminitis show characteristic weight-shifting, reluctance to move, and increased pulse at the hoof. Prevention through weight management and dietary restriction is far more welfare-positive than repeated treatment of acute episodes. Owners who allow repeated laminitis through management failure cause preventable suffering.

What You Can Do

Monitor your horse's weight and body condition score monthly and maintain a healthy condition
Use a grazing muzzle or strip grazing to limit grass intake during high-risk spring and autumn periods
Test hay for non-structural carbohydrates and soak high-NSC hay before feeding to at-risk horses
Seek veterinary and equine nutritionist advice immediately if you suspect laminitis - early treatment improves outcome