Equine Metabolic Syndrome

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a condition which has only become recognised in recent years. EMS is usually seen in overweight horses and ponies. Fat which is laid down around the body becomes hormonally active and excretes hormone-like chemicals which interfere with normal sugar and fat metabolism. The result is an individual that continues to put on weight and will, eventually, show signs of laminitis. It has similarities to Type 2 diabetes in humans. EMS in natural living, wild, native ponies is normal. It allows them to put on weight in the summer and then use these fat reserves in the winter months when food is in shorter supply. Our domestication of horse and ponies – rugging up and liberal feeding all year round – interferes with this natural mechanism.