Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a common endocrine disorder in horses and ponies that predisposes to laminitis and requires careful dietary and exercise management.
EMS horses face a life-long welfare challenge because their favourite activity - grazing rich grass - is simultaneously their greatest health threat. Management requires balancing the horse's behavioural need for pasture access with the metabolic need to restrict carbohydrate intake. Grazing muzzles, track systems and careful pasture management can provide outdoor access while protecting welfare. Untreated EMS with repeated laminitis leads to severe, chronic pain and ultimately euthanasia.