Restrict grazing and choose low-sugar forage in a slow feeder, cut hard feed while keeping vitamins and minerals, increase exercise gradually, and never starve the horse. Aim for slow, steady loss and body-condition score often.
Do not crash diet
Cutting forage drastically to force fast weight loss can trigger a dangerous fat-mobilisation problem and gut issues. The goal is steady loss over weeks and months, not a rapid drop, so patience protects the horse’s health.
Manage the forage
Forage should still form the diet, but choose low-sugar hay, soak it to lower sugar further, and slow intake with a slow feeder so a smaller ration lasts. This keeps the gut busy and the horse settled while calories come down.
Restrict rich grass
Grass is often the hidden cause of weight gain. Use strip grazing, a track system, a bare or well-grazed paddock, or a grazing muzzle to cut intake, especially in spring and autumn when grass is highest in sugar.
Keep the diet balanced
Cutting hard feed can leave gaps in vitamins and minerals. Use a low-calorie balancer or supplement so the horse still gets what it needs while losing fat. Check the supplement options that suit a weight-loss diet.
Move more
Increase exercise gradually as the horse gets fitter, from in-hand walking to ridden or lunged work. Movement burns calories and improves insulin sensitivity. Body condition score every couple of weeks and adjust, and involve your vet if the horse struggles to lose weight, which can signal a metabolic condition.
