Survey reveals challenges in managing equine obesity among UK horses

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 A recent survey of UK horse owners has provided new insight into the practical challenges surrounding equine weight management. While the majority of owners demonstrate a strong understanding of the causes of excess body condition, many report difficulties in putting effective strategies into practice. The findings underline the complexity of equine obesity, a major welfare concern linked to laminitis, insulin dysregulation, and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).

The survey, conducted in summer 2025 by the SPILLERS™ brand, gathered 1,519 responses, with most horses reported falling in the 11–20 year age range. Strikingly, more than 74% of leisure horses were estimated by their owners to be overweight. In addition, 20% of respondents reported that their horse had been diagnosed with EMS, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, also known as Cushing’s disease), or laminitis – conditions strongly associated with excess body weight and metabolic disturbance.

Owners most frequently identified insufficient exercise (38%) and excess dietary calories (37%) as the leading causes of overweight horses. Age-related factors and underlying health conditions were also considered important (24%). These responses suggest that owners recognise the balance between energy intake and expenditure, yet still face significant barriers in applying this knowledge effectively.

Respondents demonstrated awareness of several recognised management techniques for restricting forage intake and controlling calorie consumption. The most commonly used methods included:

• Part-time stabling (19%) to reduce grazing opportunities.
• Small-holed haynets (18%) to slow forage consumption.
• Soaking hay (14%) to reduce water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content.
• Strip grazing (12%) to limit pasture intake.

Despite strong evidence that grazing muzzles can reduce grass intake by up to 80%, only 7% of owners reported currently using them. A further 52% had either never considered or had rejected the idea, often citing welfare concerns or lack of success. Of those who had used muzzles, roughly half reported positive results.

The use of straw as a partial forage replacer was less widespread. Only 18% of respondents had already incorporated straw into rations, while 24% were aware of the practice but had not yet trialled it. This suggests that although straw can help to increase dietary fibre intake without adding excessive calories, uncertainty remains among owners about its safe use.

When asked about the obstacles they faced, horse owners frequently cited:

• Lack of time to exercise their horse (22%).
• Difficulty controlling calorie intake (21%).
• Perception that the horse is “always hungry” (21%).

These findings reflect both the practical and emotional strain of managing equine weight. Several respondents reported feelings of guilt, frustration, and worry, highlighting that obesity management is not only a matter of feed and exercise, but also of owner wellbeing and motivation.

Most owners monitored body condition regularly, with 57% reporting daily or weekly checks. However, only 13% had access to a weighbridge, and 30% relied primarily on visual appraisal or photographs. While condition scoring and girth measurements are useful tools, the low uptake of objective weighing highlights an ongoing gap in precision monitoring.

When asked about feed features most valued for weight management, owners favoured low-calorie, high-fibre, nutritionally balanced products. Such formulations aim to support weight loss without compromising essential nutrient intake.

Many respondents also noted the value of online educational communities, such as the SPILLERS “Slimmers’ Club,” which at the time of the survey had more than 13,500 members. Members reported that the group provided encouragement, practical ideas, and reduced feelings of isolation in managing overweight horses.

This survey highlights several important points:

• Obesity remains highly prevalent among UK leisure horses, with major associated health risks.
• Owner knowledge is often ahead of practice, with barriers such as time, facilities, and horse behaviour preventing implementation of best practice.
• Grazing muzzles and forage replacers remain underutilised, despite good evidence of their value in weight management.
• Owner emotion and motivation are integral factors in successful weight management, and should be considered alongside veterinary and nutritional advice.
• Monitoring techniques need strengthening, with greater access to weighbridges and training in body condition scoring.