By: Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS
Conversations about horse condition and nutrition are becoming more common, which is a positive step towards improving equine welfare. However, with so many different opinions and experiences being shared, it can sometimes be difficult for owners to know what information to trust or how best to apply it to their own horse.
This article looks at the facts around horse welfare and obesity, why it matters, and - most importantly - what practical steps owners can take to feel confident in managing their horse’s weight and wellbeing.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it clear that owners and carers have both a legal and moral duty of care towards their horses. This means ensuring that every horse has:
A suitable living environment
A diet that meets their individual needs
Opportunities to express natural behaviours
Protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease
Suitable shelter and housing
Feeding the right diet is not just a matter of preference - it is a legal responsibility. But the good news is that understanding and meeting these needs is something every owner can achieve with the right support.
The foundations of good equine nutrition are straightforward and practical:
Horses should be fed a fibre-rich diet, ideally offered in small, frequent meals to reflect their natural grazing behaviour.
Diets should be tailored to the horse’s age, breed, body condition, health, and workload.
Body weight and condition should be monitored regularly so adjustments can be made as needed.
Horses must have constant access to fresh, clean water, whether stabled or at grass.
Government guidance also makes a crucial point: obesity can be just as harmful as underfeeding, and should be taken just as seriously when it comes to welfare.
Research shows that around half of leisure horses in Great Britain are overweight, and a significant number of competition horses too. Obesity isn’t simply a visual concern—it is directly linked to serious health problems, including:
Laminitis
Insulin dysregulation
Increased strain on joints
What’s more, studies show that many owners find it challenging to accurately judge their horse’s body condition. This is not about blame, it simply highlights how important it is to have clear tools and guidance to support our decisions.
One of the most effective tools available is Body Condition Scoring (BCS). This system allows owners to assess fat coverage in specific areas of the body and track changes over time.
For most riding horses, a score of 2.5–3 on a 5-point scale is considered ideal.
For high-level eventers or racehorses, a leaner score of around 2 is often more appropriate.
Think of it like comparing a recreational runner to a professional athlete, their ideal body condition will naturally differ.
For owners wanting to build confidence, the British Horse Society (BHS) offers an excellent step-by-step guide to condition scoring.
Managing a horse’s weight is not always easy, but every owner has the ability to make positive changes. The key is not judgement or fear - it’s education, awareness, and support.
Here are some practical steps to get started:
Make body condition scoring part of your regular routine.
Adjust feeding plans gradually, always with your horse’s workload and health in mind.
Seek guidance when you’re unsure - nutrition is not “one size fits all.”
At Keyflow, our goal is to empower owners with the knowledge and tools they need to make confident, informed choices. If you’d like friendly, informal advice tailored to your horse, we’re always happy to help.
If you would like any additional help with what to feed your horse or for advice on their diets, contact advice@keyflowfeeds.com for informal and informative advice!
Together, we can make sure our horses are not only cared for, but truly understood - supporting their health, comfort, and happiness at every stage of life.
Robin, C.A., Ireland, J.L., Wylie, C.E., Collins, S.N., Verheyen, K.L.P., & Newton, J.R. (2015). Prevalence of and risk factors for equine obesity in Great Britain based on owner-reported body condition scores. Equine Veterinary Journal, 47(2), pp.196–201.
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