The results of a weight management survey have shown that horse owners are better understanding the nutritional needs of horses thanks to several educational resources.Initiatives like the Spillers Slimmers Club have worked hard to educate owners around best management strategies for good doers and those equines at risk of laminitis. One of their key messages has been to ensure that overweight horses and ponies still receive a balanced diet when their calories are reduced.A weight management survey in 2025 found that 20% of owners fed no supplements or balancers to their horses. A Spillers Slimmers Club poll in June 2026 reported that that number had dropped to just 5%, indicating a positive shift in feeding habits.Excellent supportBalancers offer excellent support alongside careful weight management strategies, helping keep horses slimmer and healthier, and they are also cost-effective, so its great news to see more and more horse owners are embracing the benefits. said Vanessa Allen, nutritional content manager at Mars Horsecare, home of the SPILLERS brand.By helping owners understand the need to supplement their horses diets with vitamins and minerals, together with management and exercise, initiatives like our SPILLERS Slimmers Club are ensuring that UK horses and ponies can slim down safely without nutritional compromise.Why excess weight is an issueObesity is regarded by the UKs veterinary sector as one of the biggest welfare concerns facing equines in the UK today. Excess weight dramatically increases the risk of severe, potentially fatal conditions, most notably laminitis.Up to 70% of the UKs equine population is classified as overweight and in need of a weight management programme to help them lose weight.A good balancer provides optimum levels of vitamins, macro and micro minerals and amino acids to balance the base diet, with minimal calories and starch. This makes them ideal for horses and ponies that keep their weight on a forage-only diet or those needing less than the recommended amount of compound feed.To join theSpillers Slimmers Club click here.Image Spillers.Related contentPrevent dehydration: effective ways to get a horse to drink more waterComplete guide to soaked feeds, including Fast Fibre Horse FeedHow to identify and prevent colic in horsesChoke in horses explainedThe post Survey shows positive shift in horse owners feeding habits appeared first on Your Horse.