How Can I Tell If My Horse Is Overweight? Simple Checks You Can Do Today

Many horse owners underestimate their horse’s weight — especially when gradual weight gain goes unnoticed.

Why Weight Matters

Excess weight significantly increases the risk of laminitis, joint strain, and metabolic issues.

Easy Ways to Check Your Horse’s Weight

1. The Rib Test

You should be able to feel ribs easily, but not see them.

2. Neck Crest

A firm, hard crest is a warning sign of fat buildup.

3. Shoulder & Tail Head

Fat deposits around these areas often indicate weight gain, fat feels different from muscle, squidgy not firm.

4. Belly Shape

A rounded, “apple-shaped” body is a common sign of excess weight, on the top of quarters is there a sort of channel = too fat.

Use a Body Condition Score

Scoring systems (1–9) help track changes over time. Aim for a moderate score — not lean, but not padded.

What to Do If Your Horse Is Overweight

• Reduce access to grass
• Increase movement where possible
• Feed controlled forage
• Monitor weekly

Final Thought

If you’re unsure — your horse is likely already overweight. Acting early can prevent serious health problems later, laminitis is a vet emergency, protect your horse maybe with a muzzle like LiteBite if you have nowhere to keep them off the grass and download the free Laminitis tracker.