Owners of horses and ponies who are overweight are being urged to complete a weight management survey in order to increase understanding about the equine obesity epidemic.
It is thought that more than half of leisure horses and ponies are carrying too much weight, which has very serious consequences for the horse’s health.
The survey is being carried out by Spillers. A statement from the feed manufacturer said the results will help to shape the weight management resources it offers people caring for overweight equines.
“Managing equine obesity is crucial for the health and wellbeing of our horses,” said Bella Fricker.
“As horse owners ourselves we know how hard it can be to keep our horses’ waistlines in check.
“This survey gives us the opportunity to listen directly to horse owners so that we can continue to provide the best possible support to help horses achieve healthier weights.
“It’s all a part of our mission to end equine obesity in the UK by 2035.”
Equine obesity
It is estimated that over 50% of leisure horses and ponies are overweight or obese, with obesity rates in some groups of ponies as high as 70%.
Excess weight increases the risks of multiple health problems, with laminitis being the most serious.
Other health concerns include equine metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.
Joint problems caused or exacerbated by the horse or pony carrying excess weight is also a high risk.
“Quite simply, horses usually get fat because they receive more calories in their diet than they burn through activities such as exercise, keeping warm and just the daily energy required to keep them alive (basal metabolic rate),” said the Spillers statement.
“Knowing how waistlines expand is one thing, but doing something about it is often a trickier exercise.”
The survey
The survey is open until 1 August 2025 and takes less than five minutes to complete.
Participants will be entered into a draw to win a three-month supply of the Spillers balancer of their choice. Three winners will be drawn.
The survey is designed to provide a better understanding of the unique needs of owners of overweight horses or ponies.
You can complete the survey here.
Main image © Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media Ltd
