Obesity in horses brings serious health risks

Written by ; PETER JOHNSON

Equine researchers are increasingly recognizing obesity can pose a serious health problem in horses, just as in people.

Horses have become more sedentary in the last 50 to 100 years as they’ve been used less for ranching and transportation and more for recreation, said Shannon Moreaux, a veterinarian who heads Montana State University’s Equine Science Program.

Owners have fed their horses more nutrients and sugars in rich pastures, hay and supplements, he said, even as many are less able to exercise their horses as much. Read more…