Understanding Equine Metabolic Syndrome: Risks, Prevention, and Management

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is no longer a rare condition. Today, it has become a hot topic in equine health, and for good reason. Characterized by insulin dysregulation, obesity, and regional fat deposits, EMS predisposes horses to laminitis—a painful and potentially devastating condition affecting their hooves. This rise in EMS cases should prompt all horse owners to take a closer look at how they care for and feed their animals.

Why Is EMS on the Rise?

• Modern Management Practices: Unlike their wild ancestors, who roamed vast landscapes and subsisted on sparse forage, modern horses often live in environments that promote overeating and inactivity. High-sugar, low-fiber diets and unrestricted access to lush pastures create metabolic imbalances.
• Selective Breeding and Exportation: Breeding for specific traits may have unintentionally favored genetic predispositions to conditions like EMS. Environmental mismatch can also play a role.
• Dietary and Environmental Factors: Exposure to pesticides, overly processed feeds, and high-NSC diets may contribute to insulin resistance.
• Improved Diagnostics: Advances in veterinary medicine mean more EMS cases are being identified and treated early.

Recognizing the Signs of EMS

• Regional Fat Deposits: Common areas include the crest of the neck, shoulders, tailhead, or sheath.
• Obesity (or Not): Some EMS horses maintain a leaner body score, which is why fat distribution patterns are key.
• Recurring Laminitis: Especially without a mechanical trigger, can be a hallmark of EMS.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Breeds such as ponies, Morgans, and Arabians are genetically more susceptible. Horses between 5–15 years old are the most commonly diagnosed, but any horse on a high-NSC diet with limited activity is at risk.

Managing and Preventing EMS

1. Dietary Adjustments:

• Forage-First Feeding: Start with low-NSC forage. Soak hay to reduce sugar content when necessary.
• Limit Lush Pastures: Especially during spring and fall when sugar levels peak.
• Safe Treats: Try Grazers Nutri-Treats – a metabolic-safe, low-NSC reward designed for horses with EMS made with no added sugar or grains.

2. Regular Exercise:

Even low-impact activities like hand-walking help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce obesity risk. Customize the plan for your horse’s condition level.

3. Monitor and Evaluate:

Regular weight tracking, body condition scoring, and periodic bloodwork can catch warning signs early and guide dietary changes.

4. Minimize Environmental Toxins:

Reduce exposure to pesticides and synthetic chemicals. Opt for minimally processed feeds whenever possible.

Recommended Supplements for EMS Support

• D-Carb Balance Pellets – a complete metabolic support pellet with key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• Anti-Carb – helps support healthy blood sugar levels with cinnamon, chromium, and magnesium
• Laminex – designed to support hoof health and circulation during metabolic stress
• Laminox by Uckele – targeted support for horses at risk for laminitis and insulin resistance
• Exceed 6-Way – comprehensive joint, hoof, and digestive support with added metabolic-safe ingredients

The Bigger Picture

EMS reminds us that holistic, forage-based care is critical for modern horse health. Everything from breeding to grazing access affects metabolic wellness. The earlier we make changes—whether it’s switching to soaked hay or adding a metabolic support supplement—the better chance we have at preventing long-term damage.