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ES Epigenetics: equine nutrition programs the foal of the future.
May 27, 2025
Many horses today are overweight, sometimes without their owners immediately noticing. Being overweight seems harmless, but it can have serious consequences for your horse's health and well-being.
How do you recognize obesity and why is it important to do something about it?
A healthy weight doesn't just mean good looks. Above all, it is about keeping the body condition in balance so that the horse can move well, has a strong immune system and is less at risk for health problems such as laminitis, insulin resistance or joint wear.
Body condition is assessed according to the Body Condition Scoring System (BCS).. This involves more than rubbing the ribs: you look and feel for fat deposits in specific areas:
Neck: Is there an obvious fat accumulation at the top of the neck?
Shoulder and withers: Can you feel the bone structures easily or are they hidden under a layer of fat?
Ribs: Can you still feel the ribs without pressing hard?
Back: Is there a fat pad along the spine?
Hindquarters: Are the hip bones and tail base clearly visible or covered with fat?
In a healthy horse, you can feel the ribs without effort, but can't see them sticking out excessively. But that's not the only indication of weight. Fat deposits, especially on the neck and around the base of the tail, are clear signs of excess weight.
Did you know...
... an accumulation of fat on the upper line of the neck ("cresty neck") is often an early indicator of EMS/insulin resistance?
Obesity is not just an aesthetic problem; it increases the burden on joints, lungs and heart and increases the risk of metabolic diseases such as:
Osteoarthritis
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS).
Insulin resistance
Poor fertility in broodmares
In addition, recovery from injury or illness can be much more difficult in overweight horses.
Ration analysis: Reduce high-energy feed and look critically at roughage without undermining basic fiber requirements.
Increase movement: Daily exercise not only helps with weight loss, but also supports muscle mass and metabolism.
Management Adjustment: For example, limit grazing time or use a grazing mask, especially during periods when the grass is high in sugar.
Regular monitoring: Continue to assess body condition every few weeks and make adjustments as needed.
The most important thing is to signal in time. Losing weight is a slow process in horses, but a structural approach yields many long-term health benefits.