Fat Horse Slim
A killer disease is quietly spreading through the horse population of the United Kingdom...
...the disease is obesity.
Obesity has fatal consequences and causes severe, debilitating and painful symptoms. Next to colic it causes the most equine fatalities of any equine disease in the UK – yet it is 100% preventable.
Could you tell if your horse was fat? Not sure? You are not alone!
Most people find it really hard to objectively assess or criticise their own animal. The Fat Horse Slim guide is designed to help you decide if your horse is in danger from being overweight and then give you the help you need to bring your horse back to good health.
To view the guide, either click through the sections below or download a copy of our Fat Horse Slim guide.
Obesity in horsesBeing overweight is one of the most serious problems a horse can have. As well as the increased risk of arthritis, heart disease and lung problems, it is directly linked to laminitis and hyperlipaemia (fat in the bloodstream). 
How to check the weight of your horseIt is very difficult to know in advance the ideal weight for any horse. Look at our chart to get an idea of your horses ideal weight, learn to body score your horse by watching our film or download the bodyscore chart. 
How to body score your horseFor most horse owners, body scoring is the most practical method of assessing a horse’s weight. When done correctly it is an accurate weighing method and it works for every type of horse. 
What is a healthy body score?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. 
Red Alert - my horse is obese!Any horse with a body score of 4.5 and above or any horse with laminitics and a body score of 3.5 and above is on Red Alert - their health is in serious danger. 
Amber Alert - my horse is overweightAny horse at body score 4 or more is overweight. The are not at as much risk as red-alert horses. 
Green Alert - maintaning a healthy weight!If you have reduced from an Amber Alert or Red Alert body score you deserve to be proud of your work, but it can be tricky to maintain a good weight. Read our dos and don'ts for successful weight control. 
