Not only are many horses being unintentionally overfed, over-rugged, and under-exercised but, as perceptions of what constitutes a healthy weight have become distorted, overweight has become the norm, Rendle said. | Photo: iStock

With some studies suggesting that more than half of certain horse populations in the U.K. are overweight or obese, the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is urging owners to act now to reduce the risk of their horses suffering weight-related health and welfare risks come spring.

In today’s domestic environments with greater access to forage, hard feed/concentrates, stabling, and rugs, horses and ponies can quickly pile on dangerous excess pounds. This significantly increases the risk of potentially fatal diseases such as laminitis as well as placing excess pressure on joints.  If a horse or pony is overweight then its ability to perform any activity, competitive or otherwise, will be compromised.

Equine obesity is not a new problem but appears to be becoming more common, and it’s not just ponies and U.K. native breeds that are susceptible. Studies have identified high levels of obesity in leisure horses and unaffiliated competition horses—especially those competing in showing and dressage