We are in an equine obesity epidemic for our horses, and it is every owners responsibility to keep their horse or ponys weight down. This might mean finding ways to help a horse lose weight, as well as ensuring they get enough exercise to prevent them piling on the pounds.Equine obesity is a huge welfare concern with many long-term health implications caused by being overweight.This is some of the ways that being fat impacts a horses body:Metabolism slows downExcess fat interferes with the horses metabolic system. Lack of exercise causes their metabolic rate to slow down and limits the opportunity to burn off calories.Fat deposits formUnless their diet is strictly managed, the horse will start to gain weight in the form of fat deposits.Fat is storedFat is stored in the abdomen, where it cant be seen, and in more superficial areas such as the crest, rump and flank, where it is easier to spot, providing you dont mistake it for muscle.Into the bloodstreamFat tissue releases substances into the bloodstream that interact with the bodys metabolic system.Damaging effectWhen there is too much fat in the body, these substances are released in large quantities which the horses body is not designed to cope with.The metabolic system becomes overwhelmed and this starts to have a damaging effect on different parts of the horses body.Have you heard about Your Horses#FitNotFat campaign? Equine obesity is an enormous welfare problem and were 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! FindoutmoreMain image ShutterstockRelated contentDr David Marlin explains how to ride a horse so that they burn more caloriesVet advice: 5 areas to look and see if your horse is overweightThe impact of obesity on a horses digestive healthIs your horse fat or is it muscle? This is how to tellThe post This is how being fat affects a horses body appeared first on Your Horse.