The basic tool for assessing a horse’s condition is the BCS (Body Condition Score), a nine-point scale of body condition in which 1 is an emaciated horse and 9 an obese one. The most desirable score usually sits in the range 4–6, depending on breed, age and the way the horse is used. When assessing BCS we look at several key areas:
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- Szyję i kłąb – whether fat deposits have appeared
- Plecy i grzbiet – whether the topline is straight, or forms a so-called “fat gutter”
- Żebra – they should be palpable but not visible; if you cannot feel them, that is a sign the horse is carrying excess fat
- Zad i ogon – fat deposited around the tail head is another clear sign of overweight
A regular BCS assessment, for example once a month, makes it possible to catch changes in condition and to adjust the feeding plan and the level of activity in time.
How do you adjust the diet of an overweight horse? The foundation of any reducing diet in horses is to maintain a healthy digestive system and energy balance. Losing body weight must not come at the cost of welfare or of disturbing the gut microflora! High-quality forage remains the basis of the diet, ideally hay of moderate energy value and low sugar content. It can be fed in small-mesh nets, to extend eating time. At the same time, high-starch concentrates such as oats or traditional cereal mixes should be limited or removed altogether. Low-calorie feeds, rich in crude fibre and based on slow-release energy, work well instead.
Control of grazing matters too. Spring grass contains large amounts of sugar, which can quickly add to body weight. That is why horses that tend to put on weight should have limited access to pasture. Proper supplementation should not be forgotten either. Cutting calories must not mean shortfalls of nutrients. In the diet of a horse that is losing weight, a key role is played by minerals such as magnesium and chromium, which support glucose metabolism and help to steady insulin levels, and also by vitamin E, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for muscle recovery and a healthy fat metabolism.
The role of exercise should not be forgotten. It is not only a way to burn surplus calories, but also improves overall condition, muscle suppleness and the function of the circulation. Even light work, such as walking in hand, lungeing or riding in walk and trot, brings results when it is done regularly.
To sum up, putting on weight over winter is a common problem, but it can be brought under control with regular BCS checks, a considered diet and the right amount of exercise. Keeping a horse in the right condition is not only a matter of appearance, but above all a matter of preventive health. It is better to act preventively than to deal with the consequences of obesity, such as insulin resistance, laminitis or overloaded joints. Spring is an excellent moment to look at the horse’s condition and make healthy changes to its menu! 🌤️🐴