Across the horse industry,
horse obesity continues to be a major health concern. Overweight horses or “easy keepers” as they
are so often called are at risk for increased health problems, poor
performance, and overheating. So, how do
you know if your horse is overweight?
Several methods are available to determine if your horse is overweight
including body condition scoring.
Body Condition Scoring
Body Condition Scoring
(BCS) looks at the fat deposit under the horse’s skin in six areas: neck,
withers, behind the shoulder, along the back, rib area, and tail head. This is accomplished using the Henneke scale
(1=very thin; 9=obese) where a score 4 to 6 is ideal. For more information on body condition
scoring, watch this video.
There are also several apps
available that can help you with body condition scoring your horse.
Health Problems
If your
horse is overweight, the horse is more at risk to develop a disease or disorder
such as: laminitis, equine metabolic syndrome, insulin dysfunction, and
elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Not only is an overweight horse at risk to
develop health problems, its performance declines as well. Poor performance may come from weakened hoof
walls, osteoarthritis, and increased muscle strain. Lastly, overweight horses can become
overheated due to losing control over their body temperature. Horses can then quickly become
dehydrated.
Diet & Exercise
Making a few
adjustments to an overweight horse’s diet and exercise is the key to weight
loss. Weight loss is important but only
if done correctly and slowly over time.
The horse’s total feed (forage and grain) intake needs to be monitored
as well as exercise.
Slow-feed hay net in use on a dry lot.
Here are few tips
when feeding an overweight horse:
- Feed
mature hay- this not only reduces caloric intake but slows down rate of intake
as well. Think of this as “rice cakes”
for the horse, it will keep the horse busy eating but does not have as many
calories. Always use a hay analysis to
determine hay quality. This can be done
through your local Extension office.
- Slow
down feed intake- this can be done with a grazing
muzzle, slow-feed
hay net, specially designed grain feeders, feed obstacles, or feeding order
(feed hay before grain).
In general, most overweight horses are usually unfit horses. By increasing their exercise, the horse will
burn up or use fat in the body, resulting in weight loss. Make sure to start exercise slowly and increase
over time.
For more
information about managing overweight horses please visit the University of
Minnesota Extension website by clicking
here.
Reference:
University of Minnesota Extension
