Preventing Insulin Resistance and Laminitis in Today’s Horses

Equine Metabolic Syndrome, insulin resistance, and obesity are becoming increasingly common in horses—especially those kept for pleasure or light use. But why is this happening? And more importantly, how can owners adapt their care to prevent serious consequences like laminitis?

🔍 What’s Contributing to the Rise in Equine Metabolic Issues?

1. Changes in Management and Lifestyle

• Reduced Workload: Many horses receive minimal exercise, decreasing calorie use and insulin sensitivity.
• Limited Turnout: Increased stall time reduces natural movement and affects metabolic balance.

2. Overfeeding and Modern Nutrition

• High-Energy Pasture: Modern grasses are often high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), increasing sugar intake.
• Calorie-Rich Feeds: Concentrates are often fed unnecessarily, contributing to weight gain.

3. Breed Selection and Genetics

• Easy Keeper Traits: Breeds like ponies and stock horses are predisposed to storing fat.
• Lack of Natural Selection: Managed care allows genetically susceptible horses to reproduce.

4. Improved Diagnostics

Veterinarians now recognize metabolic disorders more accurately, which increases detection rates that were once overlooked.

5. Longer Lifespans

Horses live longer than ever. With age comes a higher risk of metabolic issues like PPID (formerly known as Cushing’s).

6. Improved Parasite Control

Lower parasite loads improve digestion and feed efficiency—but can also lead to weight gain if calorie intake isn’t adjusted.

7. Better Dental Care

Enhanced chewing and digestion from modern dentistry helps horses absorb more calories, which can lead to obesity if overfed.

✅ Management Checklist: Preventing Metabolic Issues in Horses

🧾 Dietary Management

• 🟢 Feed based on actual energy needs (age, activity level, body condition).
• 🌾 Limit high-NSC feeds and lush pasture for at-risk horses.
• 🥕 Soak hay to reduce sugar content when needed.
• 🧪 Test hay for NSC levels to guide feeding decisions.

🏃 Exercise

• 🚶♂️ Daily turnout and movement are essential for metabolic function.
• 🐎 Light riding or hand-walking helps regulate insulin sensitivity.

🩺 Monitoring and Veterinary Care

• ⚖️ Maintain body condition score between 4–5 on the Henneke scale.
• 🩺 Conduct annual wellness exams and metabolic screenings.
• 🧪 Monitor insulin and ACTH levels in at-risk or aging horses.

🪱 Parasite and Dental Care

• 🪱 Use strategic deworming protocols to avoid overburdening digestion.
• 🦷 Maintain annual or biannual dental exams—but adjust calorie intake accordingly.

🏡 Environmental and Behavioral Factors

• 🚫 Avoid overblanketing or unnecessary stalling during mild cold—natural temperature regulation supports calorie burn.
• 🧠 Use slow feeders and enrichment to reduce stress and boredom-related feeding behaviors.

Final Thoughts

Modern horses face a very different lifestyle from their wild ancestors—and their metabolism shows it. By understanding the causes behind this rise in metabolic problems and adjusting your horse’s care accordingly, you can protect their health and longevity. Prevention isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.

Your horse depends on you to make informed, balanced choices. Start with forage, encourage movement, and monitor for early signs. Your proactive care makes all the difference.

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