Obesity is one of the most prevalent welfare problems in domestic horses and ponies. UK surveys suggest over 50% of leisure horses and ponies are overweight, with associated risks of laminitis, equine metabolic syndrome, and reduced welfare from chronic discomfort.
The Henneke Body Condition Score (BCS) uses a 1–9 scale to assess fat deposition at six anatomical sites: neck (crest), withers, shoulder, ribs, loin, and tailhead. Target BCS for most horses is 4–6. BCS 7 and above indicates excess weight that creates health risks. Cresty neck score (0–5) separately assesses neck crest adiposity, which is more specifically associated with insulin dysregulation and laminitis risk even in horses with moderate overall BCS.
Laminitis: The most serious consequence of obesity in horses and ponies. Insulin dysregulation associated with excess weight triggers lamellar inflammation in susceptible animals. Laminitis causes extreme pain, potential rotation of the pedal bone, and in severe cases, permanent structural damage. Even a single severe laminitis episode can cause permanent welfare compromise.
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS): A cluster of conditions including obesity, insulin dysregulation, and laminitis predisposition. Ponies, Andalusians, and many native breeds are genetically predisposed. Once identified, EMS management is lifelong.
Increased orthopaedic load: Excess weight increases concussive forces on joints, hooves, and soft tissues, predisposing to joint disease and soft tissue injuries.
Exercise intolerance: Obese horses tire more quickly, overheat more readily, and have reduced performance capacity. Welfare is reduced by inability to exercise comfortably.
Successful equine weight management requires caloric restriction through forage management — horses must always have access to some forage to prevent gastric ulceration (continuous acid production makes feed deprivation harmful). Strategies include: soaking hay (reduces water-soluble carbohydrate content by up to 30%), using small-hole hay nets (slows consumption and extends feeding time), providing low-calorie hay analysed for WSC content, and restricting or eliminating grass access using grazing muzzles or strip grazing.
Reducing or eliminating concentrate feeds, managing hay provision to target 1.5–1.7% body weight per day initially, and increasing exercise gradually as fitness improves provides a safe, effective weight loss programme.
Spring and autumn grass has very high fructan (sugar) content — particularly dangerous for EMS horses. Restricted grass access during peak fructan periods is essential for susceptible animals. Bare paddocks, track systems (narrow grazing tracks around the perimeter of larger fields), or dry lots provide exercise space without significant caloric intake from grass.
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