04/03/2026
𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬
It is that time of year again... the spring grass is growing and laminitis cases are increasing. One of the main things we can do to prevent laminitis is weight management:
🐴 Body condition scoring regularly - there are two body condition scoring scales out there, depending on the scale horses should be either 4-5/9 or 3/5.
⚖ Weigh taping regularly - although not the most accurate gage of weight, weigh tapes can be really useful to monitor if your horse is gaining or losing weight.
🌱 Reducing grass intake - this can be achieved by reducing time on pasture, reducing the area of pasture, grazing muzzles or having the paddock "pre-grazed" by your horses skinny friends.
🍃 Reducing other sugar intake - for weight loss, or horses prone to or being treated for laminitis, hay should be soaked for 12 hours, other feed should be low in sugar and starch and sugary treats should be kept to a minimum.
🏇 Exercise - exercise is a very important component of weight management, this can take any form you like and does not necessarily have to be overly strenuous to be effective. Swimming can also be a great form of exercise to help weight loss as it is hard work without putting stress on the legs.
Treating and recognising underlying conditions is also important to reduce the risk of laminitis. Blood tests for EMS and PPID will help us to assess the risk of individual horses and early treatment can help to prevent laminitis in affected horses. Both of these conditions require careful management and can also be treated medically.
If your horse displays any of the signs below then please call us if you have any questions or concerns 01873 840069
