Getting closer in the near future is another lush summer, time when you have all the reason to enjoy except for your horse, if it is showing obvious signs of weight gain. Equine obesity is now widely commonly known to horse owners, just as human obesity is to the general public. The exact figures on the prevalence of obesity in horses are not known. In the late 1990s, surveys on equine obesity reported that about 5 percent of American horse population is obese but a recent survey suggests the probability of around 50 percent for equine obesity in America. For horse owners, it is time to start worrying, keeping in view the health problems associated with obesity in horses.

Before listing the causes and cures of equine obesity, it will be helpful to have an idea of what obesity in horses means. Equine obesity is determined by a special system of measurement called condition scoring – based on physical factors like the visibility of ribs and protrusion of the spine above the back etc. The scale (or score) runs from 1 to 9 with a value of 1 representing extremely thin and 9 as extremely fat/obese; a score of 5 representing the optimum weight for most horses.

Earlier, overfeeding on grain was considered the major cause of equine obesity. As researchers have known of late, more than one factor contributes to equine obesity: over-feeding, lack of regular exercise, better dental care for horses, effective treatment for worms, and so on. In case of feeding, the blame has been shifted to free grazing on rich pastures instead of grain. Broadly, more eating and less exercise combine to give a horse over to obesity.

There are several health problems of horses invited by equine obesity. Two of the most prevalent and troublesome health conditions in fat horses are laminitis (inflammation of the frontal part of hooves) and insulin resistance or glucose intolerance (similar to diabetes in humans). Fat horses are also less efficient as athletes; prone to injuries of tissues and joints; and easily yield to stress. The latter problem translates into weak immunity and higher vulnerability to diseases. The risk of tumors and intolerance to heat are some of the many other health problems, which obese horses frequently face. In short, a fat horse is not a fit horse.

So what can be done by the owners to prevent or treat obesity in their horses? More regular exercise and less caloric intake is the only answer here. If the horse has not yet put on a significant amount of weight, putting a horse to harder work for its food is a good way of keeping fat away. For the already obese horses, reducing weight is a bit harder and care must be exercised in putting the horse on a diet and/or exercise. The decrease in dietary content and increase in exercise must be gradual and regular. All essential nutrients need to be fed to the horse while reducing grains significantly and allowing controlled grazing.

Generally, obvious signs of weight loss through a health-friendly weight-loss program take about six months. Most equine feeds are safe to use and are recommended. It is best to heed your horse’s veterinarian’s advice on how to treat and control equine obesity.

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