Introduction

As horse owners, we know there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing our equine friends thrive—shiny coats, strong muscles, and an undeniable spring in their step. But when weight loss sneaks in, it can quickly become a cause for concern. Whether your horse is suddenly looking a little too lean or struggling to maintain their weight during the colder months, understanding the root causes is key to a happy, healthy horse.

Weight loss in horses is not just about looks; it often signals something deeper—whether that’s nutritional gaps, stress, or underlying health issues. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Drawing on expert knowledge, holistic practices, and years of equine care, we’ll help you identify the culprits, implement solutions, and prevent weight loss from becoming a recurring issue. So, grab your hay net and let’s dive into the essentials of equine weight management.

1. Spotting the Signs

Before we jump into the causes, let’s talk about how to tell if your horse is losing weight. It’s not always obvious, especially if they’ve got a long winter coat masking those tell-tale ribs.

Start with a body condition score (BCS). This handy scale helps you assess fat coverage from ribs to rump, with scores ranging from 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese). If your horse is sitting at a 3 or below, it’s time to act. Other signs include a dull coat, sunken flanks, or reduced energy levels.

Regular check-ups are key. Don’t rely solely on eyeballing—grab a weight tape, take them to your vets to weigh, a local yard with a weigh bridge or take regular photos at the same angles. Catching weight loss early means you can address it before it spirals into a bigger problem.

2. Why Do Horses Lose Weight?

Understanding the “why” is half the battle. Let’s break down the most common causes:

• Poor Nutrition: Low-quality forage or an unbalanced diet can leave your horse deficient in essential calories and nutrients.
• Dental Issues: Sharp edges or missing teeth can make chewing uncomfortable, leading to reduced food intake.
• Parasites: Internal worms can steal nutrients, leaving your horse looking underfed even when they’re eating plenty.
• Stress: Competition, travel, or changes in their environment can take a toll on your horse’s appetite and metabolism.
• Diseases: PPID (Equine Cushing’s), Kidney diseases, Liver diseases
• Ulcers: Stomach ulcers (squamous and glandular) and colonic (hindgut) ulcers can have effects on weight loss
• Muscle atrophy: For older horses, horses lacking in protein or obtaining a low quality protein feed.

Once you’ve identified the cause, it’s easier to tailor a solution. Remember, every horse is unique, so what works for one may not work for another.

3. Nutrition: The Foundation of Weight Management

Let’s talk food, glorious food! Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of equine health. Start with high-quality forage—your horse should have constant access to hay or grass, as roughage is vital for digestion and weight maintenance.

If forage alone isn’t cutting it, consider adding calorie-dense feeds like alfalfa, sugar beet, or oil-based supplements.

4. Dental Health

When was the last time your horse had their teeth floated? Dental issues are a major, and often overlooked reason for weight loss.

Sharp edges and tooth decay can make chewing painful, leading horses to drop feed, to start quidding or avoid foods altogether. Regular dental check-ups (at least once a year) are essential to keep your horse’s pearly whites in tip-top shape.

If your horse has dental issues, try offering softer feeds like soaked hay or mashes to ensure they’re still getting enough calories. There are many great soaked feeds on the market which offer 100% substitution to grass and hay.

5. Parasite Control

Parasites are sneaky little thieves, robbing your horse of nutrients and energy. Routine deworming is non-negotiable, but it’s important to do it strategically to avoid resistance.

A fecal egg count can help you target the right worms with the right treatment. Combine this with good paddock management (like poop-picking and rotational grazing) to reduce your horse’s exposure to parasites.

6. Stress and Weight

Horses are sensitive creatures, and stress can have a significant impact on their weight. Whether it’s a new stablemate, a busy competition schedule, or unpredictable weather, stress can suppress appetite and accelerate weight loss.

Create a calm, consistent environment for your horse. If anxiety is an issue, NEIGHKED’S BUCK OFF calming Blend is a natural, nootropic solution designed to keep your equine friend chill and focused.

Routine and companionship are also crucial. Horses thrive on consistency, so try to stick to a regular feeding, turnout, and exercise schedule.

8. Diseases

Diseases can lead to weight loss by either increasing the horse's energy expenditure or disrupting its ability to effectively metabolise energy and nutrients. Additionally, they may cause weight loss by hindering nutrient absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

You should contact your veterinarian to investigate and treat any underlying illness or disease.

9. Muscle Atrophy

Weight loss in horses can involve loss of fat or muscle mass. Muscle loss happens when protein breakdown exceeds protein synthesis, which can occur due to protein deficiency, low-quality protein, aging, or illness, including PPID. Horses need essential amino acids to support protein synthesis and prevent muscle atrophy, as they cannot synthesise these amino acids themselves.

For horses struggling, our supplement HERCULES is designed to help gain muscle mass, improve performance, recover faster, and maintain overall health. This supplement supports muscle strength, endurance, and energy, helping horses perform at their peak while minimising the risk of fatigue and injury.

10. When to Call the Vet

If you’ve tried everything and your horse is still losing weight, it’s time to call in the experts. Unexplained weight loss could be a sign of a more serious health issue, like ulcers, liver disease, or hormonal imbalances.

Your vet can run diagnostic tests to rule out underlying conditions and recommend a tailored treatment plan. Remember, early intervention is key to getting your horse back on track.

Conclusion

Weight loss can be a worrying issue, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can help your horse regain their health and vitality. From balanced nutrition and dental care to stress management and supplements, every small step contributes to a big difference.

DISCLAIMER: This blog is designed to be informational. We do not intend to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.