Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) causes insulin dysregulation and laminitis risk in horses and ponies - welfare requires dietary management and exercise protocols.
EMS and associated laminitis cause chronic and acute pain that represents one of the most common welfare problems in pleasure horses and native ponies. The condition is largely preventable through appropriate weight management, but many owners underestimate body condition score and the risks of unrestricted grass access. Once laminitis occurs, pain management, box rest, and corrective farriery are required - a cycle that repeats if the underlying metabolic condition is unmanaged. Proactive weight monitoring, seasonal grazing management, and metabolic testing in at-risk breeds are the most impactful preventive welfare actions.