Fat Horse Slim

How to tell if your horse is a healthy weight

It is a natural desire to cherish and care for your pets. The British are known as a nation of animal lovers and sadly love is too often delivered by feeding - by the bucket full!  But love alone is not enough.

Perceptions of healthy weight have changed over the years and many horse owners today do not remember the days when most horses were fit and lean. You only have to look at black and white photos to see how things have changed. While our care and devotion has improved the welfare of horses in general, sadly now we are in danger of killing them with kindness.

What can you do?

Do you monitor how much your horse weighs?
Knowing a horse’s weight in lbs or kilos is important , especially for measuring wormer and feed, but the ONLY way to assess body fat is to FEEL for it!
Body scoring is the single most important tool you can have to keep your horse at a healthy weight. Learn  how to bodyscore your horse here.

What is a healthy body score for your horse?

Now that you know what body score your horse is, look at the body score guide to assess if he is in a healthy range. Decide which category he is in from the list on the top of the chart and look down to see how he’s doing. It should not make a difference if the horse is in work or not. Body score 4 and over is still fat! If your horse’s body score is 4.5 or more you must take immediate action, you are on RED alert! If your horse has not already suffered laminitis he is getting close to it. Go to the RED alert page  to find out how to diet your horse - get your fat horse slim!

If the body score is 3.5 or over then warning bells should be ringing; have a look at the body score guide and if necessary go to the amber page.

If your horse’s body score is steady and from the body score chart you know he is at a healthy weight for his type, go to the green page to find out how to maintain this.