Equine Obesity in the U.S.: Why So Many Horses Are Overweight

Equine obesity is now recognized as a major welfare concern in the United States and other developed horse-keeping regions. Studies suggest that up to 51% of horses and an alarming 72% of ponies are overweight or obese (Wyse et al., 2008; Thatcher et al., 2008). Excess body fat is far more than a cosmetic issue—it's closely linked to insulin dysregulation, laminitis, joint strain, and reduced performance.

Why So Many Horses Are Overweight

Many horses and ponies live in a modern “energy surplus”: rich pasture, calorie-dense feeds, and relatively little exercise. Companion horses and lightly used riding horses are often fed like athletes, with concentrates designed for high-performance workloads they never actually do. This chronic mismatch leads to steady weight gain and fat deposition, especially in easy-keeper breeds and ponies.

Health Risks of Equine Obesity

Obesity increases the risk of:

• Insulin resistance and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
• Endocrinopathic laminitis
• Joint strain and early arthritis
• Reduced heat tolerance and exercise capacity

Smarter Feeding and Movement

Giles et al. (2014) emphasize the value of individualized feeding plans that reflect body condition, workload, and breed. Key strategies include:

• Using a forage-first, low-NSC diet
• Limiting or eliminating high-calorie concentrates when not needed
• Implementing controlled weight loss through slow feeding and measured hay
• Adding consistent low-intensity exercise for metabolic and joint health

With over half of some domestic horse populations now overweight, early prevention, routine body condition scoring, and education are critical to protecting long-term health and soundness.

References

Wyse, C. A., et al. (2008). “Prevalence of obesity in riding horses in Scotland.” Veterinary Record.
Thatcher, C. D., et al. (2008). “Prevalence of obesity in a population of horses in North Carolina.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Giles, S. L., et al. (2014). “Equine obesity: Current trends and management.” Equine Veterinary Education.