Managing obesity in an animal evolved to spend most of their day foraging presents significant challenges to horse owners. While dietary restriction is a primary method to encourage weight loss, it often overlooks the behavioural needs of the horse, risking negative consequences from hunger, reduced behavioural expression and frustration.

This webinar will discuss relevant research and practical approaches to managing the overweight horse, focusing on strategies that address both nutritional requirements and behavioural welfare. By integrating physical health with psychological wellbeing, we can promote sustainable weight management and enhance overall quality of life.

We will look at:

• What your horse needs from their diet - physiological and behavioural perspectives

• The welfare implications of restricted feeding, and how to avoid them

• The pros and cons of haynets, slow feeders and grazing muzzles

• Practical feeding strategies for ethical weight management - through balancing dietary requirements, promoting species-appropriate behaviours, and providing enrichment opportunities