The Overconditioned Horse is a Health Risk

By Mike Barrett, PAS, ADM Equine Specialist

With the perception that a “fluffy” horse equals a loved horse, overweight horses seem to plague the horse industry. While having a little extra cover doesn’t seem like a big deal, the higher the body condition score of a horse, the more likely the horse will be to develop metabolic health issues like insulin resistance, PSSM, or Cushing’s, and even laminitis and founder. These health issues can limit the work and comfort of horses as well as require more intense management and higher veterinary bills.

Preventing a horse from becoming too “fluffy” (body condition score greater than a 5 on the Heineke scale) is the essential first step in preventing metabolic issues, laminitis and founder. While a routine exercise plan can help condition the horse and increase metabolism, a sound nutrition program from the start can help prevent a horse from becoming overweight or help bring a horse’s body condition to an acceptable score.

While each nutritional plan should start with forage (horses should consume 1.5 – 2% of their body weight in forage each day to maintain a healthy digestive track), the forage quality may be varied, depending on the amount of weight the horse needs to lose to achieve a body condition score of 4-5. It may even be beneficial to soak forage to help leach out starches and sugars to decrease forage calorie content. If the horse is on pasture, calorie intake can be reduced by limiting the time the horse can graze or slowing down grazing with a grazing muzzle. After the calories from forage have been limited, ensure the horse receives the recommended daily amount of vitamins, minerals and protein (amino acids) for correct body function. StaySTRONG®* Metabolic Mineral Pellet or GROSTRONG®* Mineral supplements are ideal when only a vitamin/mineral supplement is needed. When additional protein is also needed, the use of StaySTRONG™* 33 Ration Balancer or PRO-VITA-MIN™* Tub can be used.

Watch this informational video about feeding overweight horses.

For more information on ADM’s equine products and programs, log on at www.ADMequine.com or call 800-680-8254.

*Trademarks of Archer Daniels Midland Company.