OBESITY is an increasing problem in the leisure horse sector with as much as 60% of horses classed as overweight or obese. Horses and ponies that are overweight or obese are at a greater risk of joint and limb issues and an array of health conditions including laminitis and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS).

Rachel Annan, equine technologist at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) said: “Factors which contribute to horses and ponies becoming overweight include lack of exercise, too much concentrate feed, lush grass intake and lack of turnout. This can be a particular issue for native breeds such as Shetland ponies and cob types.