How to support better outcomes for overweight horsesDr. Rachel Mottet says equine obesity presents a major challenge for todays horse owners. She dedicates significant time to guiding owners on feeding overweight horses. | Adobe stock photoThe term easy keeper can be misleading because these horses can be extremely challenging to manage. Easy keeper describes a horse that readily maintains his body weight without supplemental calories beyond forage. Without careful oversight these horses end up overweight or even obese.Equine obesity has become such a prevalent issue that I currently spend a great deal of time helping horse owners find natural, healthy, and appropriate feeding practices for their overweight horsesand its not just as simple as feeding them less, although that is often part of the equation, notes Rachel Mottet, PhD, equine nutritionist and owner of Legacy Equine Nutrition, an independent equine nutrition consulting business based in Ocala, Florida.Obesity causes significant health issues, and its increasing prevalence demands attention. It is estimated that in the United States approximately half of the horse population is overweight or obese, explains Alex Rankovic, PhD, research associate in companion animal and equine nutrition at the University of Guelph, in Ontario, Canada.Ive seen figures reported by North Carolina State University estimating that around 50% of horses are overweight and, of that number, 15-30% are considered obese, adds Mottet.Obesity raises animals risk of developing adverse health conditions and can shorten lifespan. For horses specifically, obesity increases their risk of debilitating endocrine and metabolic disorders, as well as painful orthopedic conditions such as laminitis and osteoarthritis, says Rankovic. Obesity can also negatively affect a horses reproductive performance, their ability to thermoregulate, and their overall exercise tolerance, further compromising health and well-being.Figuring out how to manage easy keepers and prevent weight gainor help them lose weight safelycan be daunting. In this article well break down some must-know tips and tricks for navigating the difficulties of managing an easy keeper.Overweight Horse Care ChallengesAgain, easy keepers might not actually be easy to keep. Overweight or obese horses often need changes in both diet and exercise to return to a healthy condition. However, individual feeding practices and forage restriction pose complications because horses are herd animals that have evolved to trickle feed.Numerous risk factors contribute to equine obesity, but genetics and breed play a critical role. Horses unique metabolic qualities and genetic tendencies can lead to different body condition outcomes in a herd on the same diet.Ponies, cobs, and draft horses are more prone to gain weight due to their thrifty nature, notes Rankovic. Age, dominance within the herd, and workload also influence a horses risk of becoming obese. For example, younger growing horses are less likely to become overweight. A herd typically includes horses of different breeds, ages, and workloads, which can make providing optimal care a struggle. Strategies must support a healthy body condition without compromising horses social nature.Another common issue with managing overweight horses is not recognizing the problem in the first place. Many horse owners may not accurately assess their (horses) body condition due to misconceptions or lack of education, says Rankovic. Misguided beliefs about ideal body weight, influences by personal perceptions, trainer recommendations, or competition standards can lead to overfeeding and inadequate weight management.Lastly, while free-choice forage generally benefits horses, easy keepers or those not in regular work can gain excessive weight on unrestricted access to high-quality forage. Balancing natural grazing and herd living with the need to prevent weight gain in easy keepers can be difficult, but a variety of tools and tactics can help horse owners manage them more effectively.Successful practical management of the easy keeper rests on three pillars: feed, forage, and exercise.Easy keepers should transition from calorie-dense concentrates such as performance feeds to a ration balancer. | Adobe stockFeed or ConcentrateWhen you evaluate calorie intake, consider everything the horse consumes daily. Assessing dietary intake requires understanding the type, quality, and quantity of all feed the horse is receiving, including concentrates, forages, supplements, and treats, notes Rankovic. For accuracy, feed should be weighed rather than measured by volume. A kitchen scale works well for this task.You can eliminate calorie-dense concentrates, supplemental oils, and treats from the diet to reduce your horses calorie intake. However, even easy keepers need supplemental vitamins and minerals. These horses should transition from calorie-dense concentrates such as performance feeds to a ration balancer.A ration balancer provides a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and protein without adding excess calories to the diet. Even in obese horses, I never skip the ration balancer, says Mottet. Please do not cut this from their diet to help cut calories.To determine if a product is a ration balancer, refer to the recommended feeding rate on the product label. Ration balancers have lower feeding rates than other products, normally about 1-2 pounds daily for your average horse.Forage ManagementHorse owners might find it confusing when a horse becomes obese despite consuming only hay and a ration balancer. They imagine the picturesque scene of horses grazing rolling hills of lush pasture and want the same for their own horse. However, the quality of hay and pasture domestic horses consume typically far exceeds the quality of forage on which their ancestors thrived. Therefore, free-choice doesnt work for all horses.Forage QualityWhen hay makes up most of what a horse consumes in a day, understanding its calorieor digestible energycontent becomes essential, because weight management depends on calories consumed versus calories burned.Moderate-quality hay is my go-to in these cases, notes Mottet. Replacing high-energy early maturity hay with later-maturity hay that provides fewer calories helps maximize forage intake for these horses. The only way to accurately determine the calorie content of hay is through a lab analysis. Contact your local feed store, agricultural outreach or extension specialist, or equine nutritionist to get more information on testing your hay.It can often be done at minimal or no cost through county extension facilities. When weighing your horses hay ration, try using a luggage or fish scale.Grazing muzzles allow easy keepers to move, be with herdmates, and forage on hay and/or pasture. | Adobe stockSlowing Forage IntakeEven with easy keepers we want to maximize forage intake; however, as we established earlier in the article, the free-choice access to hay or pasture that works for many horses might cause obesity in easy keepers. A common mistake is the belief that horses will self-regulate, and that overweight and obese horses should be fed free-choice forage, says Mottet. Horses do not have good self-regulation skills when it comes to intake. There is variability in how much individual horses will eat but, in general, if its available and palatable, unless theyre sick or unless its been sitting out for a long time, theyll consume it over time.Their digestive tract is designed to continuously eat small meals, and there is no known signal that tells them their daily intake quota has been met, especially if theres quality forage available, she adds.Limiting forage intake remains critical for calorie control with easy keepers, but you must keep in mind horses status as trickle feeders. Their gastrointestinal tract has not evolved for meal feeding; they must consume small amounts of fiber all the time. This often poses a dilemma because its impractical to feed your horse a small allowance of hay 12 times a day. Instead, we rely on slow feeders.Slow feeder systems are my go-to, so it takes the horse longer periods of time to eat lessagain, mimicking the natural eating habit with less intake overall, says Mottet. Horse owners have a variety of slow feeder options, and no one option will suit all easy keepers. The hole or opening size and feeder or net type depends on your horses individual needs and the management at your facility.As for easy keepers pasture intake, some horses left to their own devices eat more than 2% of their body weight in dry matter, often resulting in excess weight gain. But confining them to the barn or a small pen isnt the solution; horses need ample space to move, be with herd mates, and forage on either hay or pasture.Ideally, horses should still be turned out, but this should be done in a dry lot or with the horse wearing a grazing muzzle if on pasture, says Rankovic. If using a grazing muzzle, it should be kept on 100% of the time the horse is on pasture, and it is important that the horse can still drink with their muzzle on.Indeed, slowing easy keepers forage intake with a slow feeder or grazing muzzle still allows for trickle feeding behaviors. Additionally, nutritionists again recommend later-maturity hay for these animals.ExerciseCritically, these horses must exercise. Many easy keepers need more bouts of exercise weekly and of greater intensity. Walking your horse to the mailbox and back does not count, but aiming for three to four-plus days per week of exercise that incorporates 20-30 minutes of moderate activity each ride can be a great thing for an overweight (sound) horse, notes Mottet.Confirming if your horse achieves 20-30 minutes of moderate activity during your sessions can be difficult. Active trotting or cantering for a total of 20-30 minutes during the ride would be considered moderate. Try using a ride-tracking app to ensure you achieve this guideline.Take-Home MessageObesity compromises horses health and quality of life. Extra weight puts a strain their bodies, limits their movement, and shortens their lives. Focus on balancing these horses diets, controlling their calories, and increasing their regular exercise to help them stay healthy and active. This will then promote their well-being and longevity.This article is from the Fall 2025 issue ofThe Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care. We at The Horse work to provide you with the latest and most reliable news and information on equine health, care, management, and welfare through our magazine and TheHorse.com. Your subscription helps The Horse continue to offer this vital resource to horse owners of all breeds, disciplines, and experience levels. To access current issues included in your subscription, please sign in to theAppleorGoogleapps ORclick herefor the desktop version.

World Equestrian Center Ocala will once again welcome IBERIAN CUP, the premier Iberian-focused dressage showcase in North America, October 1319, 2025. Held during the WEC October Dressage Show, sponsored by Hampton Green Farms, this prestigious competition will highlight the elegance, athleticism, and heritage of the Iberian horse on one of the sports most prominent stages.Source

The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) has published Field Diagnostic Guidelines for Equine Infectious Respiratory Disease on its website tohelp veterinariansevaluate and diagnose equine respiratory disease of unknown etiologywhen the cause is unclear.Equine respiratory disease etiologies range fromviral and bacterial infections to environmental allergens or inflammatory factors. Diagnostic testing todetermineetiology is strongly recommended to provide targeted treatment strategies, implement biosecurity protocols ifnecessary, and support overall herd health.Multiple febrile animals or one or more horseswith acute respiratory abnormalities and feverare suggestive of underlying infectious disease and should prompt practitioners to implement biosecurity practices andestablishaquarantine on the premises.The diagnostic flowchart contained within the guidelines will help practitioners navigate their differential list (the list of possible diseases or conditions that could explain a horses clinical signs), samplecollection,and diagnostic test selection to achieve a definitive diagnosis.There are many considerationsinvolved in differentiating the causeof equine respiratory disease, so it is our hope that these field diagnostic guidelines willbe aconvenient andvaluableresource forequine practitionerswhen confronted with such cases, said Toby L. Pinn-Woodcock, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, chair of the AAEPsField Guidelines Subcommittee andassociateclinical professor in the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, in Ithaca, New York.Authored collaboratively by members of theAAEPField Guidelines Subcommittee, the Field Diagnostic Guidelines for Equine AcuteRespiratory Diseasewere reviewed and approved by the AAEP Infectious Disease Committee and board of directors. View the guidelines or save them to your mobile device athttps://aaep.org/resource/equine-infectious-respiratory-disease-field-diagnostic-guidelines.This is thethirdset of Field Diagnostic Guidelines published by the AAEP and followspreviousissuance of similar step-by-step protocols for Infectious Neurologic DiseaseandforAcute Infectious Diarrhea. All AAEP Field Diagnostic Guidelines areaccessible athttps://aaep.org/guidelines-resources/field-diagnostic-guidelines.

Wilmington, Ohio Bobby Murphy decorated the R+L Arena at World Equestrian Center Wilmington in picturesque fall style for the $10,000 Shires Equestrian USHJA National Open Hunter Derby of Fall Classic 2. Richard Rinehart ultimately captured the top spot aboard his own Jaguar. Scores reached the high 90s as the group of professional athletes displayed one near-perfect round afterSource

A West Sussex equine rehabilitation charityhas successfully rehabilitated a five-year-old mare who was suffering from suspensory ligament pain, a commonly overlooked cause of lameness in young horses and one that is often mistaken for laziness.Goldie arrived at Moorcroft Equine Rehabilitation Centre in Slinfoldin June with lameness, weakness and behavioural issues. Despite her owner Sallys best efforts, no diagnosis had been found.Following a diagnostic ultrasound scan, Goldie was found to have damage in both her left and right suspensory ligaments and was started on a tailored rehabilitation plan.Treatment planThe rehabilitation plan combined Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment for both hind suspensory ligaments to help reduce the inflammation and discomfort with strengthening Goldies back on the long-reins.The sacroiliac region, often affected secondarily, also benefited from this approach.Within weeks, Goldiesposture improved, her movement became fluid, and she was once again able to carry a rider.Young horses often lack the strength and coordination found in more mature horses, which makes them more prone to this type of injury, said Mary Frances, CEO of Moorcroft.Goldie before her diagnosis and subsequent treatmentAn undetected issueIn my experience, suspensory ligament pain frequently goes undetected, particularly in younger horses, because it is often bilateral. So, if the horse is lame in both hind-legs it is difficult to detect and often put down to laziness, added Mary.The danger is that without the correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment, it can lead to repeated injury, increasing lameness and, in worse case scenarios, euthanasia.Only once the pain and discomfort has been reduced with PRP, long-reining work can begin. Short qualitylong-reiningsessions allowed usto strengthen the back and hindquarterswithout causing damage to the suspensory ligament area, continued Mary.It is essential that thesurface the horse works on for this is firm,even andhelpful. Deep,uneven or irregular surfaces can do even more damage. In order to get the very best results, consistency is key, with the work being monitoring at all times. Importantly, for this type of injury, straight line work is more beneficial than circles.Main symptomsKey signs of suspensory ligament injury include:Reluctance to go forwardDifficulty maintaining straightnessPoor engagement from behindStruggles on deep or wet surfacesLife-changing resultsThe care and expertise at Moorcroft have been life-changing, said Sally. Goldie arrived in pain, with significant damage to both hind suspensory ligaments, and I felt completely lost.Thanks to the teams guidance, PRP treatment, and a carefully managed exercise plan, shes now a different horse. Ive also gained the knowledge and confidence to support her long-term recovery.Main image of Goldie after her treatment. All imagesMoorcroft Equine Rehabilitation CentreRelated contentHow to tell if a horse is lameAge-appropriate training: this is when horses physically matureRehabilitation centre reports record demand as horse owners prioritise preventative careEquine charity champions newplatelet-rich plasma treatmentCommon causes of swollen legs and tips to manage itThe post Young mare with commonly missed condition is successfully rehabilitated appeared first on Your Horse.

Management Aspect Action Items Diet Feed high-quality hay; avoid long feeding gaps; transition diets gradually Exercise Ensure regular exercise to maintain gut motility Dental Care Regular veterinary dental check-ups Stress Management Monitor and adapt social groups; reduce stress Environment Keep paddocks clean; prevent sand and toxin exposure Hygiene Keep hindquarters clean and dry; use protective balms in winter Supplements Psyllium husk, omega-3s, probiotics, balanced minerals Veterinary Care Regular parasite control; fecal testing; consultation if symptoms persist How to Manage Faecal Water Syndrome in Horses During Winter: Tips and Supplements Winter brings its own set of challenges for horse owners, not least of which is Faecal Water Syndrome (FWS), also known as Free Fecal Water (FFW). This condition, characterized by normal feces followed by water discharge, is a common nuisance during the colder months. In this article, we'll explore the causes, management strategies, and helpful supplements to support your equine friend's gut health through winter. Understanding Faecal Water Syndrome and Its Causes FWS can disrupt a horse's comfort and lead to skin irritation due to constant wetness. While the exact cause remains a mystery, several factors are commonly linked to this condition: **Gut Motility and Inflammation: Issues in gut movement and inflammation can hinder water absorption, leading to FWS. (Source: WeHorse) Dental Issues: Poor dental health affects feed digestion and overall gut function. (Source: WeHorse) Diet Changes: The transition from pasture to hay in winter disrupts bacterial balance in the gut. Social Stress: Horses lower in social hierarchy might experience more stress, influencing gut health. Sand or Toxin Ingestion: Ingesting sand or toxic plants may cause digestive upsets. (Source: Mad Barn) Why Winter Requires Special Attention Reduced access to pasture grass and increased reliance on dry hay can worsen FWS symptoms during winter. The protective role of natural vitamins and enzymes found in fresh grass is diminished, requiring alternative management strategies. (Source: EquiManagement) Practical Tips to Manage FWS in Horses During Winter Feed High-Quality Roughage Provide sufficient, high-quality hay at about 1 to 1.5 kg per 100 kg of body weight. Avoid long feeding gaps, as consistent feeding supports healthy gut function. (Source: WeHorse) Gradual Dietary Transitions Ensure any changes in diet are gradual to allow horses to adapt, particularly when moving to a hay-based diet during winter. (Source: SmartPak Equine) Manage Social Stress Monitor herd dynamics to reduce stress-related gut issues. Consider segregating or adjusting group dynamics for more submissive horses. (Source: Milverton-Wellesley Veterinary Services) Maintain Good Dental Health Regular dental check-ups are crucial to prevent feed digestion issues. Poor dental health can exacerbate FWS. (Source: WeHorse) Exercise Regularly Exercise stimulates healthy gut motility. Even during cold months, ensure controlled exercise routines for your horse. (Source: WeHorse) Minimize Sand and Toxic Plant Exposure Avoid feeding hay directly from sandy ground to reduce gastrointestinal irritation caused by sand ingestion. Additionally, ensure paddocks are free of toxic plants. Keep Hindquarters Clean and Protected To prevent skin irritation and frostbite, keep your horses hindquarters dry and clean. Use tail wraps or protective balms during winter. Supplements That May Help with Faecal Water Syndrome Several supplements may support gut health and reduce FWS symptoms effectively. Psyllium Husk Fiber Adding wet pure psyllium husk can improve gut motility and reduce sand accumulation. (Source: Milverton-Wellesley Veterinary Services) Mineral Feeds and Balanced Electrolytes Mineral balance supports overall gut health. Consult an equine nutritionist for proper dosage to support systemic functions. Omega-3 Fatty Acids These acids from sources like flaxseed can support a normal inflammatory response, stabilizing gut irritation. (Source: SmartPak Equine) Probiotics / Prebiotics Consider supplements with live beneficial bacteria or substrates to rebalance the gut microbiome. These are commonly used adjuncts in managing digestive health. (Source: SmartPak Equine) Bakers Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Helps stabilize gut flora and digestion, potentially reducing FWS symptoms by promoting healthy gut activity. (Source: SmartPak Equine) Emerging Treatments: Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) FMT, an emerging treatment, involves transferring filtered fecal fluid from healthy donors to affected horses to restore microbial balance. Though experimental, it can provide significant improvements in fecal consistency and reduce symptoms for some horses. (Source: Mad Barn) When to Consult a Veterinarian If FWS symptoms persist or worsen, a veterinary assessment is crucial to rule out other health issues and develop an individualized management plan. (Source: Milverton-Wellesley Veterinary Services) Summarized Winter Management Checklist for Faecal Water Syndrome Management Aspect Action Items Diet Feed high-quality hay; avoid long feeding gaps; transition diets gradually Exercise Ensure regular exercise to maintain gut motility Dental Care Regular veterinary dental check-ups Stress Management Monitor and adapt social groups; reduce stress Environment Keep paddocks clean; prevent sand and toxin exposure Hygiene Keep hindquarters clean and dry; use protective balms in winter Supplements Psyllium husk, omega-3s, probiotics, balanced minerals Veterinary Care Regular parasite control; fecal testing; consultation if symptoms persist By implementing careful management and providing supportive supplements, you can significantly reduce the burden of FWS in horses during winter, enhancing their overall comfort and quality of life.```html```

Section Key Points The Quest for the Perfect Horse Riding Gear and Supplements Equestrian gear and supplements are crucial for performance and enjoyment. Offers include apparel, treats, and supplements. Why Quality Riding Gear Matters Quality gear improves safety, performance, and confidence. Includes boots and gloves. Diving into Riding Apparel Comfort and agility are key in apparel. Jodhpurs offer flexibility and durability. Locate the Perfect Riding Boots Boots provide stability and protection. Balance between flexibility and support is essential. Understanding the Role of Supplements Supplements ensure horse health and performance, addressing specific needs. Adding the Finishing Touch with Accessories Accessories such as rugs and fly protection are crucial for horse care. Shopping Smart and Eco-Friendly Focus on sustainable products that are efficient and environmentally friendly. Concluding Your Equestrian Journey With the right gear and supplements, achieve success in equestrian activities. Explore collections for all needs. The Quest for the Perfect Horse Riding Gear and Supplements Welcome to the world of equestrian adventures, where the right horse riding gear and supplements can make all the difference. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a passionate beginner, finding the right products is essential for both performance and enjoyment. At Just Horse Riders, we take pride in offering a wide range of horse riding apparel, treats, and top-notch equestrian supplements. Why Quality Riding Gear Matters Horse riding is more than a hobby; it's a passion that demands the utmost quality in equipment. The right gear not only ensures safety and performance but also inspires confidence. Our range includes everything from riding boots to protective gloves. The importance of these items cannot be overstated as they each play a crucial role in protecting you and enhancing your riding experience. Diving into Riding Apparel The apparel you choose directly affects your comfort and agility. Our Horse Riding Jodhpurs are designed to offer maximum flexibility and durability, ensuring you are both stylish and comfortable. Choosing the Right Jodhpurs When selecting jodhpurs, consider factors such as fit, material, and breathability. Our collection provides options crafted from top-quality materials, promoting ease of movement and long-lasting wear. Locate the Perfect Riding Boots Boots are fundamental in any rider's gear lineup. Designed for stability and protection, our Horse Riding Boot Collection offers a selection tailored to various riding styles, ensuring that you'll find the perfect fit for your needs. The Importance of Footwear Fit Striking the balance between flexibility and support is key. Our boots adhere to high standards of quality, providing comfort, durability, and style. Don't forget to pair them with our riding socks for added comfort! Understanding the Role of Supplements Equestrian supplements are vital for the health and performance of your horse. These supplements provide essential nutrients that might be missing from their regular diet. Our range of vitamins ensures your equine friend gets all the necessary support for an active lifestyle. Daily Supplements for Horses Our supplements are formulated to address specific needs, from joint health to digestive support, ensuring your horse remains at peak health. Carefully selected ingredients in our products guarantee optimal results. Adding the Finishing Touch with Accessories From stable rugs to fly protection, accessories play a crucial role in horse care. Our selection of stable rugs and turnout rugs protect your horse in different climates, while our fly protection ensures they remain comfortable and healthy. Choosing the Right Rug Rugs must be appropriate for the season and your horse's specific needs. The right rug not only shields from heat and cold but also protects against pests and dirt. Shopping Smart and Eco-Friendly At Just Horse Riders, we take pride in offering sustainable products that are both efficient and environmentally friendly. Our dedication to quality ensures you always get the best deals without compromising on performance or style. Consider the Environmental Impact Be mindful of the impact your purchases have on the environment. Opt for items that are sustainably sourced and produced, contributing to a healthier planet. Concluding Your Equestrian Journey Embarking on your equestrian journey is an adventure filled with joy and challenges. With the right riding gear and supplements, you and your horse can achieve remarkable feats. Explore our collections today to find perfect-fit apparel, state-of-the-art supplements, and accessories that meet all your needs. Visit Just Horse Riders, where quality and passion fuel your equestrian life!```html```

Wilmington, Ohio Nineteen horse-and-rider combinations took center stage as they competed over a technical track set by Robert Barton for the $50,000 Top Bedding Grand Prix of World Equestrian Center Wilmington Fall Classic 2. Eight riders advanced to the short course, but Lisa Goldman-Smolen proved her dominance, jumping the first double-clear effort and remaining unbeatable.Source