Rates of obesity are considered to be as high as 70% in some populations of ponies. Quite simply horses usually get fat because they receive more calories/energy in their diet than they burn through activities such as exercise, keeping warm and just the daily energy required to keep them alive (basal metabolic rate). Excess weight increases the risk of laminitis so it’s crucial to try and keep grass intake under control. The latest research shows that strip grazing could be a useful tool for restricting weight gain….read all about it in our May 2020 edition.
Photo: Sarah Shepard
