British winter has done little to curb the problem of equine obesity, the results of a survey suggests.A higher number of horses than ponies were classified as obese after winter in a British study. The results show the prevalence of obesity remains worryingly high even at the end of the northern hemisphere winter.
A recent survey of groups of horses spending at least six hours out at pasture has shown that more than a quarter were obese at the end of winter. The finding may suggest that well-meaning winter management strategies such as rugging and a reduction in exercise could be having a welfare impact on Britain's horses.
The survey, conducted by the University of Bristol's Animal Welfare and Behaviour Group, in collaboration with the Waltham Equine Studies Group, studied variations in body condition in small groups of horses during the month of February 2011. A cross-sectional study of 127 horses and ponies was carried out in Somerset during February 2011.Herds of three or more were at grass for at least six hours a day. Their body condition scores (BCS) were assessed using the nine point system and the five point cresty neck score (CNS). The prevalence of obesity (BCS of 7 or above) was 27.6 per cent, with a slightly higher incidence in horses, while the prevalence of cresty neck (CNS of 3 or above) was 48.8 per cent, with a higher number of ponies affected.
Equine nutritionist Clare Barfoot, who is research and development manager for Spillers feeds, said: "That such a high percentage of horses and ponies were obese as they came out of winter is concerning, while the fact that a higher number of horses than ponies were classified as obese challenges the myth that only ponies can get too fat.
"As horses and ponies tend to put on more weight in the spring and summer months, owners need to act now to help restore the more natural seasonal fluctuation in body condition." This could be achieved through more exercise and a lower-calorie diet. Future studies will investigate other factors potentially affecting body condition such as differences in spontaneous activity, behavioural interactions, socially mediated interference and social position within the herd.
