Should I exercise my laminitic horse?

weakening when inflamed it is important that we minimise the stress placed on the hoof. We can do little to change the weight of the horse in the short term. So we must ensure that the horse does not move around excessively when the laminae are inflamed usually indicated by lameness as well as heat in the feet or bounding digital pulses. It should be noted that box rest does not always have to mean a stable. A stable sized area can be created outdoors which should not include grass but can have bedding on it instead. This type of restricted zero grazing can be helpful in improving your horses mental wellbeing while on strict rest.
So is exercise ever appropriate?
One of the leading factors associated with an increased risk of laminitis is insulin resistance IR. Insulin resistance or dysregulation is the term given to the inability of the body to respond appropriately to insulin produced in response to a carbohydrate rich meal. Under normal conditions the body produces insulin to allow the body to store excess glucose. In insulin resistance the levels of glucose in the body remain high following a meal which in turn stimulates the body to produce more insulin. IR animals are at risk not only of laminitis but also hyperlipaemia infertility or type 2 diabetes. Ponies with insulin resistance are known to develop Equine Metabolic Syndrome this is where they tend to deposit fat along the crest of the neck or over the hindquarters and are at an increased risk of developing laminitis.
Cases of Equine Metabolic syndrome or in fact any overweight pony should undergo dietary restriction particularly in terms of total calorie intake and nonstructural carbohydrate intake. It should be noted that not all horses with EMS are overweight and some animals can have both EMS and PPID so it important that both conditions are considered in laminitis prone animals.
In addition to dietary management and any necessary drug therapy exercise can be used to improve insulin sensitivity
A recent small study confirmed this by demonstrating that horses that were exercised regularly 25 minutes of walk and trot for 5 days a week showed improved insulin sensitivity. It is now recommended that any horses who are overweight or are suffering from EMS undertake regular exercise to manage the condition. Improving insulin sensitivity will have a big impact on your horses overall health and wellbeing. In essence it