Horse owners fail to recognise dangers of obesity

The research – aimed at gaining an insight into people’s perception of horse welfare problems in the UK – is the first of its kind and highlights a major concern surrounding their care and in particular, horses’ weight.

Despite being a nation of animal lovers, over half of the people surveyed either could not recognise an overweight horse or if they did, had no idea of the dire health or welfare implications to the animal. This compares to over three quarters of the people surveyed who believed being underweight was a threat. In addition, according to other research by the charity, between 35 – 45% of UK horses are believed to be overweight or obese.

Set against a growing issue of horse obesity in the western world, World Horse Welfare believes this adds up to a dangerous time bomb.

Consider these two case studies:

Case A – May 2008, Aberdeenshire: An emaciated and lice ridden young horse is found desperately searching for food in a boggy field.

Case B – November 2008, Blackpool: A Shetland pony weighing 40 stone is found in a field in Cleveleys. He is a massive 10 stone overweight; the equivalent of constantly carrying an adult.

If asked to describe a typical horse cruelty case, most people would immediately think about the thin horse referred to in case A, but in reality fat and obese horses are now at epidemic level and the long term effects they suffer can be catastrophic.

In October this year, in what was believed to be the first case of its kind, a married couple from Blackpool were banned from keeping horses and fined £500 each after they allowed the Shetland pony in case B to become grossly overweight. The pony was successfully rehabilitated by World Horse Welfare but it will be at risk from weight gain and attacks of an agonising and serious foot condition for the rest of its life.

If you are concerned about your horse’s weight please visit our advice section for more information, tips and advice. If you are concerned about a horse you have seen please call our Welfare Line on 0300 333 6000 with current, first-hand information.