Half of horses in UK are overweight
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Half of horses in the UK are overweight
Half of all horses in the UK are overweight, recent studies have shown.
A report by the Royal Veterinary College also found as many as 7 out of 10 ponies born here were also obese.
The British Equine Veterinary Association has warned horse owners that obesity is now one of the biggest problems facing horses in the UK.
Carrying too much weight for a horse can also lead to other health problems - in particular, a condition called Laminitis.
There are things you can do to help a horse who is overweight - find out more here.
Do we love horses too much?
Make sure to speak to a vet if you're concerned about a horse's weight
Overweight has become normal and horse owners no longer appreciate what a healthy horse should look like. Show horses are often obese, so this is what people aspire to.
Experts say that we love our horses so much that it might be that we're spoiling them.
Giving horses food can be a fun thing to do and a way to show you love them, but it might be causing more harm than good.
David Rendle, from the British Equine Veterinary Association, says that people do not always know what a healthy horse looks like because so many are now overweight.
If you are concerned about a horse or pony, make sure to speak to a vet.
They can help you figure out what you can do to get your horse to a healthy weight.
There are lots of ways to help your horse or pony. Check out some of the top tips below.
Watch out for the grass: Horses do not need feeding as much if they're often out grazing. Make sure they don't graze more than they need to.
Exercise: Horses need exercise all year round - even in the winter months. Make sure your horse gets enough exercise and walks.
Don't use rugs too often: Horses burn energy by generating heat so they don't always need rugs to keep them warm. It's best to cover them during extreme weather or to keep them clean.
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