The Blue Cross launches campaign to tackle equine obesity
| The Blue Cross launches campaign to tackle equine obesity The Blue Cross animal charity today warned of the dangers of equine obesity as it revealed that 40% of all horses and ponies taken in by its equine centres last year were overweight - an increase of 5% on the previous year. |  |
He said: "Obesity increases the risk of arthritis, heart disease and lung problems, and it is directly linked to laminitis - one of the most common causes of euthanasia in horses. Next to colic, obesity kills more horses than any equine disease in the UK - yet it is one hundred per cent preventable."
The Blue Cross is today launching a new campaign to tackle the growing problem of equine obesity by providing practical guidelines for every horse keeper to monitor and manage the weight of their horse. The Fat Horse Slim campaign is backed by many of the UK's leading riders, including Olympic team members Mary King and William Fox-Pitt.
William said: "Carrying surplus weight makes it much harder for any horse to work well, whatever the level or discipline. The Blue Cross Fat Horse Slim campaign tackles the serious problems associated with overweight horses and ponies by providing sensible, practical advice on how to keep them in optimum shape."
A Fat Horse Slim weight management pack, sponsored by Dengie, is now available to order online, by phone or at The Blue Cross stand at Badminton and other equestrian events throughout the year. An educational film fronted by international showjumper Tim Stockdale can be viewed at www.fathorseslim.org.uk which also offers fat horse success stories and the option to enter The Blue Cross ‘Fat Horse Slimmer of the Year' competition.
"Many owners may not be aware that their horse has a weight problem or the serious health risks associated with this," says Rosie Mogford, Blue Cross equine welfare education officer.
She continued: "Our perceptions as horse owners have changed over the years and ‘well' or round looking horses are now more acceptable than they used to be. With this campaign we hope to educate people about the healthy weight for their horses and teach them how to achieve this."
The Fat Horse Slim pack contains everything the horse owner needs to know about weight monitoring and management, including: a 28-page Blue Cross guide; a Shires weigh tape; calculator; body condition score guide; wall chart for recording weight changes over time; and vouchers for free and discounted Shires and Dengie products.
The pack costs £8 plus postage and can be ordered online at www.fathorseslim.org.uk or by calling The Blue Cross on 0845 230 1672. Proceeds from the packs will support the The Blue Cross's work helping animals in need.| Case Study Ginger is an 8-year-old, 13.2hh chestnut gelding, who came to The Blue Cross because his owner could no longer look after him. He had not been ridden or handled much in his previous home and had become overweight. At the start of his diet plan in December 2007, Ginger weighed 355kg and was body scored as 4.5, which is between ‘fat' and ‘obese'. He had an enormous crest and was at severe risk of developing laminitis or other health complications. | |
| This comprised two-thirds hay (weighed dry), that had been soaked for 12 hours to reduce its nutritional value and energy levels, and one-third Dengie Hi Fi Lite and Anti Lam. He also had free access to salt and a mineral lick. Ginger was handled daily then gradually re-backed and introduced to ridden work. This regime succeeded in gradually and safely reducing Ginger's weight to a healthy level. By September 2008, he had lost 74kg - equivalent to a Blue Cross groom! Overseen by the vet he then dropped an additional 12kg, taking him down to a body score of 2.5, in order to lose his potentially dangerous crest. Then he was slowly brought back up to 281kg and a body score of 3 - a ‘healthy weight' but without his unhealthy crest! | |
Ginger has now been rehomed to a family where he can enjoy an active life. Because of his tendency to gain weight and the potential for laminitis, his borrowers continue to keep a strict eye on his diet to keep him healthy.
| Related Articles |
| Obesity in horses increases risk of disease |
| Help to keep your horses weight down |
| Help reduce the risk of laminitis |
| World Horse Welfare - Weight Scoring Video |
Added on: 06/05/09.
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