Reducing weight in obese horses

As a horse owner, you play an important role in controlling your equine companion's weight. Sound nutrition management, a regular exercise programme and veterinary care are key to keeping your horse fit and healthy. Maintaining the ideal weight is not always easy, however.

When implementing a weight loss programme for the overweight horse, it's important to do it gradually and under the supervision of an equine veterinarian. Follow these guidelines to get started:

1. Be patient. Weight reduction should be a slow, steady process so not to stress the horse or create metabolic upsets.

2. Make changes in both the type and amount of feed gradually. Reduce rations by no more than 10% over a 7 to 10-day period.

3. Track your horse's progress by using a weight tape. When the horse's weight plateaus, gradually cut back its ration again.

4. Step up the horse's exercise regimen. Gradually build time and intensity as the horse's fitness improves.

5. Provide plenty of clean, fresh water so the horse's digestive and other systems function as efficiently as possible and rid the body of metabolic and other wastes.

6. Select feeds that provide plenty of high quality fiber but are low in total energy. Measure feeds by weight rather than by volume to determine appropriate rations.

7. Select feeds that are lower in fat since fat is an energy-dense nutrient source.

8. Switch or reduce the amount of alfalfa hay feed. Replace with a mature grass or oat hay to reduce caloric intake.

9. Feed separate from other horses so the overweight horse doesn't have a chance to eat his portion and his neighbor's too. In extreme cases of obesity, caloric intake may also need to be controlled by limiting pasture intake.

10. Balance the horse's diet based on age and activity level. Make sure the horse's vitamin, mineral and protein requirements continue to be met.

Once your horse has reached its ideal body condition, maintaining the proper weight is a gentle balancing act. You will probably need to readjust your horse's ration to stabilize its weight. Exercise will continue to be a key component in keeping the horse fit. Because obesity can affect a horse's health, communicate regularly with your veterinarian. Schedule regular check-ups, especially during the weight reduction process.

This article reprinted with permission from The American Association of Equine Practitioners. Headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, the AAEP was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its 6,500 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.