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Help Your Horse Stay Healthy: Practical Weight Management Tips for Summer
Determining whether a horse or pony is overweight isn’t always easy. In fact, studies show many owners underestimate fat coverage, and as a result, weight gain can creep up unnoticed. Carrying extra weight increases health risks, saps energy, and makes coping with hot weather much harder for horses and ponies alike.
As grass becomes more plentiful and lush during the summer months, it’s the perfect time to review your horse’s weight management routine. Here at Chestnut Mill, we’re passionate about helping you keep your horse in top condition—so we’ve put together these practical tips to help you spot weight gain early and manage it effectively.
How to Spot Weight Gain Early
- Regular Body Condition Scoring: Get hands-on and check your horse’s fat coverage at the neck, withers, ribs, and tail head. Ideally, you should be able to feel—but not see—your horse’s ribs.
- Weigh Tape or Scales: Use a weigh tape around the girth or, if available, a weighbridge to monitor changes over time.
- Photographs: Take monthly side-on photos to help spot gradual changes that might not be obvious day-to-day.
Managing Grazing and Grass Intake
- Restrict Turnout: Use a grazing muzzle, smaller paddock, or track system to limit grass intake without reducing exercise.
- Adjust Turnout Times: Grazing early in the morning or late evening can help reduce sugar intake from grass.
- Provide Low-Calorie Forage: Supplement restricted grazing with hay or haylage that’s low in sugar and energy.
Choosing the Right Feed
- Opt for Fibre-Based Feeds: Choose chaffs, balancers, or cubes designed for good doers and natives—these provide essential nutrients without unnecessary calories.
- Check Feed Labels: Avoid mixes high in sugar and starch, and look for products labelled as “lite” or “low-calorie”.
- Don’t Forget Vitamins and Minerals: If your horse is on a restricted diet, ensure they’re still getting a balanced vitamin and mineral intake through a balancer or supplement.
Balancing Diet, Exercise, and Turnout
- Increase Exercise: Even gentle hacking or in-hand work can make a big difference—aim for regular, consistent activity.
- Monitor Progress: Keep a record of your horse’s weight, condition, and exercise routine to help stay on track.
- Work with Your Vet or Nutritionist: If you’re unsure where to start, seek professional advice tailored to your horse’s needs.
Why Weight Management Matters
Maintaining a healthy weight isn’t just about appearance—it’s about your horse’s long-term health and wellbeing. Overweight horses are at greater risk of laminitis, metabolic disorders, and joint strain, and are less able to cope with hot weather or strenuous activity.
Need Support?
At Chestnut Mill, we stock a wide range of low-calorie horse feeds, grazing muzzles, and weight management supplements to help you keep your horse in the best possible condition. If you have questions or need advice, get in touch at info@chestnutmill.co.uk or call 01256 578011—our friendly team is always happy to help.