HorseWorld's Groundbreaking Study Offers New Solutions to Combat Equine Obesity

HorseWorld, a Bristol-based equine welfare charity, has announced the publication of a landmark study. Its first ever peer-reviewed scientific paper sheds light on innovative strategies to tackle the growing problem of equine obesity.

The charity had been using a track system approach for over a decade to help manage the bodyweight, and other health issues of some of the herd, with positive results. Track systems have grown in popularity through the equine world, but with very little scientific evidence for their impact.

In collaboration with the Equine Department at Hartpury University, Equine Welfare Consultant Kate Fletcher worked with the HorseWorld team on a study to gather data on the effectiveness of different grazing management systems.

The study, titled “Tracking the Track: The Impact of Different Grazing Strategies on Managing Equine Obesity” combined monitoring and recording welfare indicators such as bodyweight, body condition score, and hoof health, with direct observations of behaviour.

A total of 19 horses of mixed breeds and types were used in the research, all experiencing a range of weight management requirements due to existing health conditions. All of them were identified as “susceptible to excessive weight gain” and were kept on management systems designed to restrict intake of grass.

The data showed the horses being kept on the track systems lost significantly more weight than their herd-mates in traditional paddocks. In addition, their hoof health and general welfare scores remained consistent and there were no negative impacts on their behaviour.

This publication marks a significant achievement for HorseWorld, reflecting its commitment to advancing equine welfare through research and innovation, whilst giving evidence-based solutions to anyone involved in caring for horses.

Quote from Sarah Hollister, Head of Equine Welfare at HorseWorld:

"We are thrilled to share this research. Equine obesity is a major welfare concern, and this research provides reassurance and insights for anyone considering how best to manage the welfare of obesity-prone equines in their care.”

The creation of the track system at HorseWorld was made possible thanks to a grant from the Pets Foundation – a charity established by Pets at Home in 2006, dedicated to making a difference to pets and people.

Quote from Amy Angus, Head of Charity and Community for the Pets Foundation: "We're proud to support the incredible work of HorseWorld by funding their track system. This system improves the wellbeing of the horses in their care and has been shown through their subsequent study that track systems directly tackle equine obesity. We'd like to say a huge thank you to all of the supporters who made this possible by donating to the Pets Foundation."

Key results from the study:

• When comparing each horse’s July bodyweight versus late-September bodyweight there was a statistically significant difference between grazing management groups. Those horses kept on the track system lost an average of 3.4% of their initial bodyweight compared to those on the traditional paddock grazing system who gained an average of 1.5% of their bodyweight over the period of data collection.

• This study found clear evidence that horses susceptible to gaining bodyweight in the summer period when the sward is at its most nutritious and calorific can be managed effectively utilising track grazing systems; reducing bodyweight during a summer season whilst maintaining hoof health and general welfare.

• A common concern when introducing new or innovative equine management systems is the possible impact on equine behaviour and safety. During this study, there were no significant differences in equine behaviour displayed between grazing systems.

• Researching within the confines and requirements of an operational equine welfare charity proved not only challenging, but also extremely rewarding. It allowed the research team to gather “real-world” data applicable to both those either working in the equine rescue charity sector and to horse owners facing the challenges of managing horses that are susceptible to weight gain. Most horse owners want to manage their horses well, but report facing barriers in terms of published research that “works” in the real world and “resistance” from established practitioners and practices.

Further reading:

Equine obesity poses significant health risks, including laminitis and equine metabolic syndrome. Recent studies have highlighted the severity of this issue:

• A study by the Animal Health Trust found that 31% of 785 horses and ponies assessed between 2009 and 2011 were classified as obese. worldhorsewelfare.org
• Research from The University of Nottingham revealed that at least one in five leisure horses are overweight or obese, suggesting that equine obesity rates may mirror those in humans. University of Nottingham