The prevalence of overweight horses is a growing welfare concern, and managing a horse's weight is a complex task shaped by horses intersecting welfare needs, human values and society-wide influences. This overview situates equine weight management within the broader context of animal welfare, drawing on Fraser's ‘three spheres' model to explore how owners balance their horses' physical health, natural living and emotional wellbeing. The divergent priorities of owners, veterinary practitioners and other industry professionals highlight how societal norms, media, show judging and livery yard regulations influence perceptions of ideal body condition. The limitations of current body condition assessment tools, including the Henneke body condition scale, are discussed alongside a call to re-evaluate assessment tools used by practitioners to improve understanding of healthy horse conditions/weight and ensure consistent knowledge dissemination. Collaborative communication rooted in motivational interview techniques, tailored to welfare priorities and owners’ capabilities, is essential for facilitating behaviour change. Drawing on previous research in collaboration with horse owners, emerging welfare-compatible management strategies are identified within four categories: reducing supplementary feed; reducing grazing; increasing exercise; and increasing metabolism. Recommendations are provided for research, industry collaborations and practical interventions that support sustainable, owner and horse-centred approaches to healthy weight management.
Ross et al. (Sat,) studied this question.