Managing your horse’s weight this summer

With the mild winter we’ve just had, proactive owners have had to think ahead to their horse’s management this summer. Even if your horse is ordinarily something of a poor-doer, we’d wager that he’s still looking better than usual for the time of year. Weight management isn’t something many owners enjoy, but with a bit of imagination and some useful tips, it can become part of everyday horse care without being stressful or difficult. Let’s take a look at some simple ways to make things straightforward for you both.

The long game

First and foremost, you need to remember that there are no magic answers for weight management. Every horse, owner, and yard is different, so it’s up to you to find a strategy to work for you. Managing your horse is easiest when you’re both happy, so work out what’s going to be the best option. For him, he’ll want to be with his friends, with access to a steady trickle of low-calorie forage, and plenty of interest, choice and enrichment. But for you, it needs to work around your yard set-up and daily routine.

Grazing

In summer, we usually make the most of the conditions to allow our horses more time out at pasture. That’s usually great for their wellbeing – except for the risks of weight gain brought on by unlimited access to grass. Remember, every horse, and every field, is different: if you’re lucky enough to have mature, mixed grasses and a horse who regulates his own intake, you may be able to manage his weight effectively even with full-time turnout. However, other horses require more intervention.

Finding ways to limit grass intake while turned out is often necessary – the most common options are the use of muzzles, strip grazing or track systems. Other options include turnout in less traditional areas, such as woodland, which requires more foraging behaviour.

Did you know?

Studies have shown that some ponies can eat an entire day’s worth of grass in just four hours, and have linked this sort of binge eating with increased laminitis risk.

Find out more top advice on how to manage your horse’s weight this summer in June Horse&Rider magazine, on sale 19 May 2022.