Watching the weight through summer


the weight of horses and ponies has never been more relevant, and presented such a challenge, to so many.


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The good news is that you are not alone if you struggle with your horse or pony’s weight and there are solutions to help.


Does this affect your horse? Workload has reduced significantly for many since March, or even stopped completely for a while, and this can have a huge impact on any horse or pony’s condition. Being able to adapt regimes, for example to restrict access to fast-growing grass, has not been easy to achieve in all situations. Both of these factors have led to an increased number of horses and ponies approaching the summer overweight.


Good-doers, e.g. native ponies, are certainly more affected but whatever the breed or type you own, it is important not to be complacent, particularly if their routine has altered.


What’s the problem? One of the most significant issues for overweight horses and ponies is the increased risk of laminitis. This is oſten be associated with hormonal dysfunction, such as Insulin Dysregulation (ID)/ Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). A reduction in workload doesn’t help, as exercise can improve insulin sensitivity.


The strain on feet, limbs and joints is also greater when bodyweight is excessive, so managing joint problems such as arthritis can be more difficult. It can even affect the development of young, growing horses resulting in Developmental Orthopaedic Disease (DOD).


What can be done to help? The starting point for any feed regime should always be forage, and that includes horses and ponies that are overweight or prone to


t has been a difficult spring for everyone, with horse owners and yard managers needing to adapt to the unprecedented circumstances that Covid-19 forced upon us. Advice on watching


18


THE SUMMER SPECIAL 2020


For the latest news visit www.centralhorsenews.co.uk


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