For many people, horses are an important part of everyday life. They help work on a farm, are part of shows, or serve as wonderful pets and therapy animals. No matter what role they fill in your life, it’s your job to keep them healthy and in great shape so they can live long and well. Obesity, however, is one of the health conditions that make it hard for your horse to live and work well. Keep reading to learn about some common causes of horse obesity and when to call a vet.

Dietary and Exercise Problems

Many people feed their horses by allowing them to forage in open areas so they can get a healthy, mixed diet. Putting them in open areas also gives them the opportunity to exercise regularly. However, this combination doesn’t always work in your horse’s favor.

Your horse can overeat if you let it forage in a pasture-rich area twice a day. And depending on how many horses you have grouped together and how often you let them out, they may also not be getting enough exercise. Calculate your horse’s dietary requirements and make an exercise schedule for them to prevent your horse from becoming obese.

Health Problems

Sometimes the problem causing obesity in your horse is more than a dietary or exercise issue; the problem may be an underlying health problem. Obesity is one of the warning signs of laminitis, which can be fatal for horses. Intestinal parasites, insulin resistance, and diabetes can also cause obesity. If you’re doing everything possible to help your horse eat and exercise properly, then one of these more serious health problems could be the cause of their excessive weight gain.

When To Call the Vet

An equine veterinarian should examine your horse at least once a year for a wellness checkup. You should schedule additional appointments if your horse gains a lot of weight in a short amount of time, but diet and exercise can’t be to blame. As mentioned above, obesity can be a sign of some serious health problems, so you shouldn’t hesitate to call a vet.

And if it turns out that they’re otherwise healthy despite their weight, then the vet can help you come up with a sustainable weight loss plan for your horse.

The most common causes of horse obesity are diet and exercise problems, but obesity can also be a symptom of other more serious health problems. You should call a vet if your horse is experiencing excessive weight gain along with other health problems, or if you make the necessary adjustments and your horse continues to struggle with their weight.