Visual Cues:
* Crease down the back: A horse with a healthy weight will have a slight dip down their back when viewed from the side. A fat horse will have a thick, rounded back with no visible crease.
* Ribs: You should be able to easily feel the ribs along the horse's sides. If they are completely obscured by fat, the horse is overweight.
* Withers and back: A healthy horse has a visible dip behind the withers and a gradual curve to the back. Overweight horses have a round, fleshy back with no visible dip.
* Flanks: The flanks (the area behind the ribs) should have a slight indent. An overly fat horse will have full, rounded flanks.
* Tailhead: A healthy horse has a defined, triangular shape at the tailhead. A fat horse will have a round, smooth tailhead.
* Neck: A healthy horse has a defined neck with a clear throatlatch. An overweight horse has a thick, fleshy neck with a poorly defined throatlatch.
Other Signs:
* Difficulty moving: A horse that is too fat may have trouble moving, especially at speed or for extended periods.
* Breathing problems: Fat can restrict breathing, especially in hot weather.
* Laminitis: Overweight horses are at increased risk of laminitis, a painful condition that affects the hoof.
* Increased risk of other health problems: Obesity can lead to a range of other health problems in horses, including insulin resistance, osteoarthritis, and Cushing's disease.
Assessing Body Condition Score:
A more objective way to assess your horse's weight is to use a body condition score (BCS). This is a system that assigns a score from 1 (very thin) to 9 (extremely obese) based on visual assessment.
What to do if your horse is overweight:
* Consult your veterinarian: It is important to talk to your veterinarian about your horse's weight. They can help you determine the best course of action to help your horse lose weight safely and effectively.
* Reduce the amount of food your horse eats: This may involve switching to a lower-calorie diet or reducing the amount of feed you give your horse.
* Increase exercise: Increasing your horse's daily exercise can help them burn off excess calories.
* Monitor your horse's weight: You should regularly monitor your horse's weight to ensure that they are losing weight at a healthy rate.
Remember, losing weight too quickly can be just as dangerous as being overweight. Work with your veterinarian to create a safe and effective weight loss plan for your horse.