Maintain your horse at a healthy weight

Equine obesity is now epidemic. Recent research from England showed that about 54 percent of horses there were dangerously overweight, but their owners did not recognize the problem. The researchers say they’d expect to find similar results in this country. Some owners, it seems, don’t have an “eye” for weight or are in denial about how overweight their horses really are.

A horse who is overweight is at a higher risk of any number of diseases and conditions.

Extra pounds carry a high price. Horses who are overweight are more prone to joint disease, metabolic conditions and potentially deadly laminitis. The problem is compounded by the fact that many breeds of horses, and nearly all ponies, are genetically predisposed to obesity, probably due in part to a so-called “thrifty gene” that allows them to survive on minimal forage. These are the horses who can “live on air” but we end up giving a scoop of grain twice a day anyway because we don’t want to leave them out at feeding time.

Making the resolution to keep your horse’s weight under control will require adjusting your own perceptions as well as your horse’s lifestyle. The first step is to review the Henneke Body Condition Score (BCS) System and determine for yourself what your horse’s score is. If you’re unsure, ask a knowledgeable friend or, better yet, your veterinarian for an unbiased assessment.

If your horse needs to lose weight, work with your veterinarian to determine how many calories he actually needs and adjust his diet accordingly. Be prepared to cut back on his ration dramatically or switch to a lower-calorie feed. You’ll also want to look into using a grazing muzzle during turnout in the spring and fall and potentially year-round if your horse is susceptible to laminitis. Yes, a muzzled horse can look sad, but not nearly as sad as one who has foundered.

Diet changes probably won’t be enough to slim down an extremely fat horse, so you’ll also need to increase his exercise. More turnout with an active herd is a great start, but it won’t be as effective as under-saddle workouts four or more days a week. Again, consult with your veterinarian to map out a progressive conditioning/weight loss exercise regimen for your horse. If you can’t ride as often as necessary, consider half-leasing your horse to a trusted rider or just sharing him with friend looking for a regular mount.