World Horse Welfare is encouraging spectators at this week’s Mars Badminton Horse Trials to visit the charity’s stand and make use of its new weight management resources.
The new practical #FeelForFat materials, which include a life-like equine model named ‘Freddie’, have been designed in response to feedback about the realities faced when fat scoring horses.
The new resources were developed following a survey which was carried out by staff at the charity.
As a reaction to the results, the charity have simplified the fat scoring process by splitting the body into three areas: neck and shoulder, back and barrel and the hindquarters.
Equine obesity is one of the biggest welfare issues facing horses today — which is why Your Horse launched its #FitNotFat campaign — and being overweight poses a serious threat to horse health.
‘Feel more confident’
“Equine weight management can be a sensitive issue, fraught with worries about associated health risks,” said Sam Chubbock, Head of UK Support at World Horse Welfare.
“Our new #FeelForFat resources are aimed at helping horse owners to feel more confident in assessing their horses’ weight. They reflect feedback from some recent fat scoring surveys and workshops which suggested making the process clearer.
“As well as being expensive and incredibly challenging for horse owners to deal with, long-term illnesses like EMS and laminitis can cause pain and discomfort to the horses suffering from them,” continued Sam.
“This is why, alongside our fat scoring resources, we are offering practical advice to horse owners about steps they can take to help manage their horses’ weight.
“We can’t wait to meet this year’s visitors to Badminton and support them on their equine weight management journeys. Look out for our distinctive, life-like model horse Freddie and be prepared to get hands-on and #FeelForFat.”
World Horse Welfare’s stand at Badminton can be found at 92 Beaufort Way.
Have you heard about Your Horse’s #FitNotFat campaign? Equine obesity is an enormous welfare problem and we’re on a mission to provide owners and riders with the knowledge, skills and information you need to keep your horse in tip-top health. It could be life saving!
Main image © Your Horse Library/Kelsey Media Ltd
