Effective Weight Management Strategies for Overweight Horses

Everyone loves to see plump, well-fed horses in pastures. To the public, it means those horses are being well cared for and have no nutritional issues. For horse owners, a “fashionably plump” horse can signal more than just a well-fed appearance. It may indicate overfeeding, leading to wasted money, the risk of metabolic issues like insulin resistance, or challenges in maintaining fitness and conditioning during training. Similar to humans, there are weight management strategies owners can use to help their horses shed a few extra pounds.

Studies have shown that 50% of horses in North America are overweight with approximately 30% of horses considered obese. According to Mad Barn 72% of adult ponies were classified as overweight, which is a concerning statistic reflecting a growing issue within the equine community. Alarmingly, in some show rings, heavier horses are often favored as the ideal, partially due to perceptions of substance and presence. This cultural bias can inadvertently encourage unhealthy weight gain, which has serious repercussions for equine health. Overweight horses are at an increased risk of developing conditions such as laminitis, insulin resistance, and other metabolic disorders. Additionally, excess weight places undue strain on their joints and hooves, often leading to chronic lameness, arthritis, and reduced mobility over time. While the desire to conform to certain aesthetic standards exists, it’s critical to prioritize the long-term well-being of horses and promote healthier body conditions both in competitions and daily care.

How to Weigh Your Horse

Body condition score (BCS) is a method of estimating your horse’s body fat that accumulates directly under the skin. BCS is measured on a scale of 1-9, and most horses should score around 5, with a 4 or 6 being acceptable depending on the horse’s age, lifestyle, and health conditions.

When conducting a BCS test, the following areas should be palpated and ranked:

• Over the tailhead  
• Over the rump  
• Along the withers  
• Neck  
• Over the ribs  
• Behind the shoulder  

Add these scores up and divide by six to get the overall BCS. Be careful not to underestimate your horse’s body condition score, and aim to perform monthly BCS evaluations.

Another weight estimation tool is weight tape, which can be purchased at most feed stores, such as co-ops or Tractor Supply. To use weight tape, measure the heart girth — located immediately behind the elbow and withers — and the body length from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock. Plug those numbers into the following formula:  

(HG x HG) x Length = Total; Total/330 = body weight  

If your horse is carrying excess weight, it’s important to address this for their overall health and well-being. After assessing your horse and evaluating their total body weight, you may need to implement a plan to help them shed those extra pounds. Here are some proven strategies to safely and effectively manage your horse’s weight loss journey.

Reduce or Eliminate Grains and Processed Feeds

Consider reducing your horse’s grain amounts at each feeding, switching feeds to a low starch specialty grain or gradually eliminating grain altogether. Grain and commercial feed should not exceed 0.5% to 1% of the horse’s body weight per meal. Typically, grain and commercial feeds are reserved for horses doing exercise above “maintenance” levels, pregnant or lactating horses, young and growing horses, “hard keepers,” and senior horses. These groups need extra calories because they are in a “production” state.  

Too much or unnecessary grain and commercial feed can cause issues and waste money. Grains and commercial feeds can contain high amounts of sugars and starches that some horses don’t need. Sugars and starches are digested and absorbed, raising blood sugar levels and triggering insulin release. Insulin tells the body to store glucose as glycogen in the liver, while excess energy is stored as fat.  

If your horse has Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or insulin resistance, feeding grains and commercial feeds with high amounts of sugars and starches can be particularly harmful to their overall health. Horses with these conditions have difficulty regulating their blood sugar levels, and consuming such feeds can lead to dangerous spikes in glucose and insulin. Over time, this repeated insulin dysregulation puts them at a higher risk for laminitis, a painful and potentially debilitating condition affecting the hooves. For these horses, it’s essential to provide a carefully managed diet that focuses on low-starch, low-sugar forage and feed alternatives to help maintain stable blood sugar levels and overall well-being.

Forage-Based Diet  

Forages, such as pasture grass and high-quality hay, should make up most of your horse’s diet. In general, overweight horses should be fed a minimum of 1.5% of their body weight in forage daily.

Hay promotes a healthy gut microbiome and allows the horse to exhibit natural grazing behavior. Additionally, forages take longer to chew, extending feeding time and reducing ulcer risks. Owners should choose mature cuts of grass hay, such as timothy or Bermuda, which are lower in protein and digestible energy (DE) content. Legume hays, such as alfalfa and clover, should be reduced or eliminated.  If your horse suffers from equine metabolic syndrome then it is important to have your have tested to avoid feeding hay that have high levels of NSC levels. Hay with less than 10-12% NSC is recommended for horses with metabolic issues.

If your horse has access to high-quality pasture with plentiful grass, consider investing in grazing muzzles. Grazing muzzles reduce the amount of grass horses can eat during turnout by 30%-80%. Ensure the muzzle fits well and check for rubs after each use.  

Owners should also consider adjusting turnout time to when non-structural and hydrolyzable carbohydrates (HC) are at their lowest, such as early in the morning. HC levels are highest in the spring, in the fall before winter, and in freshly cut grass. Overweight horses should be limited from these pastures to avoid excess caloric intake.  

Another option is placing overweight horses onto dry lots, which still allow for exercise without access to excessive calories. It is important to supplement with hay, as horses should not go without food or forage for more than four hours.

When horses are restricted to forage-only diets, hay-based diets, or are managed on dry lots, it is essential to ensure they receive adequate supplementation of vital minerals and vitamins. These diets often lack sufficient levels of trace minerals like selenium, zinc, and copper, as well as essential vitamins such as vitamin E, which are crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing deficiencies. Without proper supplementation, horses may become depleted, leading to long-term health issues, such as weakened immune systems, poor coat condition, or muscular problems. It is important for owners to remember that lower weight does not always equate to better health—optimal nutrition plays a key role in supporting a healthy, thriving horse, regardless of body condition.

Exercise Foundations for Overweight Horses

Exercise is a vital component of managing the health and well-being of overweight horses, particularly those dealing with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), insulin resistance, and other related conditions. A carefully structured exercise program can help regulate body weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and enhance overall metabolic function. It is essential to start slowly, especially if the horse has been sedentary or is significantly overweight, to prevent undue strain on joints and muscles. Begin with short groundwork sessions, lasting five to ten minutes. When introducing a new exercise routine for an overweight and/ or out-of-shape horse.

Low-intensity activities, such as hand-walking, light lunging, or riding at a walk, are excellent. Gradually increasing the duration and intensity of these exercises allows the horse to build stamina and strength over time. Incorporating activities like pole work or hill walking can further engage muscles and improve cardiovascular health.

Consistency is key, as regular exercise not only aids in weight management but also supports healthy circulation and reduces the risk of laminitis—a common concern in overweight horses with metabolic disorders. Coupled with a balanced diet and appropriate veterinary care, a tailored exercise routine can profoundly improve the quality of life for horses suffering from these conditions. With patience and dedication, owners can help their horses achieve both physical and metabolic balance, fostering a healthier and happier equine partner.

Conclusion  

When adjusting diets and exercise programs, always consult with your veterinarian and/or equine nutritionist before making any sudden changes. Changes should be made gradually; putting your horse on a diet is a marathon, not a sprint. Regularly perform weigh-ins using BCS and/or weight tape and adjust as needed.  

For personalized weight loss strategies for your horse, consider reaching out to your county extension office or veterinarian. If needed, consult a certified equine nutritionist to develop a tailored plan. Assess your horse’s overall condition, diet, and exercise routine to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach.