From ‘Good Doer’ to Obese: Recognizing When Your Horse’s Weight Is a Risk

When you glance across the pasture and see your horse grazing peacefully, do you pause to consider whether they might be carrying more weight than is healthy? Equine obesity is a growing concern in the horse world, affecting between 20% and 50% of horses in certain populations depending on breed, use, and management. Despite its prevalence, many horse owners fail to recognize the issue, often mistaking excess weight for good health, or simply chalking it up to breed characteristics or seasonal changes. 

In this four-part article series, we’ll explore the growing issue of equine obesity—why it happens, how it affects a horse’s health, and what both horse owners and industry professionals can do to recognize the risks and take proactive steps toward prevention and management. 

One of the biggest challenges in managing equine obesity is that it's frequently misunderstood. In many circles, a rounder horse is seen as “well-fed” or in “good condition,” especially in breeds traditionally praised for their substance or strength. Ponies with broad barrels, draft crosses with padded withers, and show horses with full hindquarters are often celebrated for their appearance. However, fat is not fitness. The truth is, horses that look pleasingly plump to the casual observer are at increased risk of developing conditions like laminitis (swelling in the hoof than can lead to temporary or chronic lameness), insulin dysregulation, and joint strain. 

Understanding the Risk Factors 

Certain breeds and management practices are especially prone to tipping the scale. “Easy keepers,” a term used to describe horses and ponies that maintain weight on minimal rations, are particularly susceptible to obesity. Ponies and miniature horses, as well as breeds like Morgans, Arabians, and Warmbloods, are metabolically efficient by nature. While this was once an evolutionary advantage, it can be a liability in today’s environment of high-energy feeds and limited exercise. Horses kept as pasture pets, used for light trail riding, or given free-choice hay without balancing workload and caloric intake are also at higher risk of becoming overweight. 

Misconceptions about weight and health further complicate the issue. Many owners believe a little extra padding is harmless or even beneficial. Comments like “he needs some weight for winter,” “she’s just big-boned,” or “it’s just grass” are common, but misleading. Lush pasture, for instance, can be deceptively high in sugar and calories, especially during the spring and fall. While seasonal fluctuations are natural, chronic overconditioning is not. Horses don’t need to be underworked and overfed to thrive. In fact, the opposite is often true. 

How to Assess Your Horse's Body Condition 

So, how can you tell if a horse is overweight? The most reliable tool is the Body Condition Score (BCS) system, a standardized, hands-on evaluation that assigns a score from 1 (poor) to 9 (obese) based on fat deposits in six key areas: the crest of the neck, withers, shoulders, ribs, loin, and tailhead. Developed by Dr. Don Henneke in the 1980s, this system remains the gold standard for assessing equine body condition. Most horses should fall between a 4 and a 6 on the scale, depending on their breed, age, and workload. Horses scoring a 7 or above are considered overweight or obese and are at an elevated risk for health complications. 

 

Assessing your horse’s BCS should become a routine part of care, just like checking hooves or monitoring dental health. It’s not enough to judge by appearance alone. A shaggy winter coat, for example, can hide significant fat pads, and some horses carry weight unevenly. Taking a few minutes each month to feel for ribs, observe muscle tone, and check for developing crests or fat deposits can help you catch small changes before they become big problems. 

Moving Forward 

Understanding that obesity is more than a cosmetic issue is the first step toward better equine health. In the next part of this series, we’ll explore the different risk factors that contribute to equine obesity, from breed and genetics to diet, workload, and management practices. By recognizing these influences, owners can better understand why some horses are more prone to weight gain than others and take proactive steps in feeding, exercise, and daily care to keep their horses at a healthier weight. 

For horse owners, consider this your call to action: Take a moment today to evaluate your horse's body condition. Write down your observations. Take a photo for reference. Small steps like these can lead to big improvements in your horse’s long-term health and well-being.  

And for industry professionals who formulate supplements, treats, and feeds for horses, our role is just as important. We must consider how our products can support healthy weight management across diverse breeds, life stages, and activity levels. Are we helping owners make informed decisions through clear guidance? Are we transparent about calorie density, sugar and starch content, and appropriate portioning? When BSM Partners’ Product Innovation is paired with Veterinary Services’ educational outreach, your company can become a powerful force for positive change in equine health. 

Awareness is the first step, but understanding why some horses gain weight more easily than others is just as important. Stay tuned for the next article in this series, where we’ll break down the key risk factors for equine obesity and help you identify what might put your horse at greater risk. 

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About the Author

Dr. Katy Miller works as the Director of Veterinary Services at BSM Partners. She earned her veterinary degree at Ross University and completed her clinical year at Louisiana State University. She previously served for 11 years as the Director of Dog and Cat Health and Nutrition for Mud Bay where she earned multiple certifications and specialized in pet food nutrition, prior to which she practiced general and emergency medicine for seven years. She is also a competitive three-day eventer, licensed falconer, and claims only two (Golden and Mini Doxie) of their nine dogs.