Companion Animals

Horse Equine Metabolic Syndrome

Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) predisposes horses and ponies to laminitis; dietary management and weight control prevent this painful condition.

Key Facts

EMS involves insulin dysregulation causing inappropriate insulin responses to dietary sugars
Native breeds including Welsh ponies and cobs are genetically predisposed
Affected horses develop laminitis on relatively small amounts of grass
Low-sugar diets and controlled grazing prevent laminitis episodes
Dietary management is more effective than medication alone

Welfare Considerations

Equine metabolic syndrome creates a challenging welfare situation where horses' natural grazing behaviour triggers the metabolic cascade leading to laminitis. Restricting grazing feels counterintuitive but is essential for welfare, as laminitis causes intense pain that severely degrades quality of life. Early diagnosis through insulin testing and proactive dietary management prevents the painful episodes that define poorly managed EMS.

What You Can Do

Test ponies and horses showing EMS signs for insulin dysregulation
Restrict spring and autumn grazing using strip grazing or muzzles
Feed tested hay with low water-soluble carbohydrate content
Monitor body condition score regularly and act early if weight increases
Consult your vet about weight management and EMS testing