THIS week, at a livery yard I was visiting, I saw a very unwell Shetland, who I later learned had equine metabolic syndrome and had laminitis previously, more than likely due to obesity. The prognosis wasn’t good.

It got me thinking about all the owners I know trying to keep their horses as close to a healthy weight as possible. It’s not always so easy to prevent obesity, now one of the most pressing yet often underestimated issues in equine health,

A new research collaboration between the University of the West of Scotland and biotechnology firm Formartine Bio is currently setting its sights on equine obesity and its effects on our horses.

With limited research suggesting that around 45% of leisure horses in Ireland are obese, the implications for welfare are significant.

Obesity is closely linked to conditions such as laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome, both of which can have lasting consequences. Against this backdrop, the focus on early detection feels both timely and necessary.

The project will explore the potential of saliva testing to identify subtle biological changes before clinical signs of disease appear. By analysing glycans, complex sugars involved in immune function and metabolism, researchers hope to build a clearer picture of a horse’s underlying health.

Emerging issues

Dr Mia Burleigh, at UWS, said: “From a health and welfare perspective, earlier identification and monitoring of physiological stress or disease risk in horses has clear potential benefits for both the horse and its owner. Improving how we recognise emerging issues may help support more timely management decisions, reduce the risk of disease progression, and contribute to better long-term outcomes for horses across a range of settings.

“This research aims to ensure better health outcomes, improved quality of life, and safer, more sustainable horse management,” she said.

Dr Kimberley Mackenzie, Founder of Formartine Bio, added: “The project focuses on improving our understanding of equine glycans - complex sugar molecules that play a crucial role in immune function and health. By studying these glycans, the collaboration aims to support the development of more precise diagnostic tools for horses, with potential benefits for earlier detection, monitoring, and management of disease. This work highlights how academic and industry collaboration can translate fundamental science into real-world impact for animal health and welfare.”

This research is a quiet but notable shift from reactive to preventative care. Too often, conditions linked to obesity are only addressed once a horse is already in difficulty. If reliable early indicators can be established, owners and veterinarians may be better equipped to act sooner, adjusting diet, workload or management before problems escalate.

It is important to note that this work remains in its early stages. Backed by an innovation voucher, the project represents an initial exploration rather than a finished solution. Even so, the direction of travel is encouraging, particularly in a sector where equine obesity remains a persistent welfare concern.