Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity

the fact that age body type and breed can lead to variations in fat distribution. A horses ideal weight will also vary depending on its reproductive state and fitness level. For example racehorses are usually on the thinner side at a score of 4 out of 9 while halter horses are usually on the heavier side at a score of 6 out of 9. Obese horses score 9 out of 9.
The combination of emotional involvement and seeing their horse every day makes most owners and caretakers unable to fairly assess their horses true body condition. When in doubt ask a third person to go over the Henneke chart and assign a number to your horses body condition or else ask your veterinarian when heshe is next at the stable.

Tips and tricks to equine weight loss
Horses are natural grazers and it is better for them to be eating all day. So how do you restrict a horses intake while feeding him all the time? Some tricks include using double hay nets or bags with little openings or grazing muzzles. It will take them more time to eat and therefore will not only keep them occupied longer but also diminish their feed intake. Frequent smaller feedings are ideal but sometimes not practical. If horses are usually fed together make sure that the one dieting cannot have access to anothers food. Some other tips to achieve a healthy weight loss include making any change gradually 10 percent over 10 days is usually the norm with regard to both quantity and type of food. Vitamins minerals and proteins are essential and it is imperative that horses receive their minimal requirement even though you are limiting feed. Follow the guidelines on the feed bags and use food weight instead of volume to determine how much to give. That being said your horse is an individual and the quantity of food that he is receiving may be too much for him even if thats what it says on the bag. Feed companies and distributors often have animal nutritionists who are available to help you choose the right food for your horse.