World Horse Welfare unveiled new practical weight management resources at this year’s Badminton Horse Trials (7–11 May).
The updated materials, part of the #FeelForFat campaign, are designed to help horse owners confidently assess their horses’ weight through improved fat scoring techniques.
Developed in response to survey and workshop feedback, the resources aim to make fat scoring clearer and more accessible. They break down the process into three distinct body areas—neck and shoulder, back and barrel, and hindquarters—rather than using a single whole-body diagram per score.
Head of UK Support, Sam Chubbock, noted that equine weight management is often a sensitive topic, but the new tools are designed to increase owner confidence and clarity when assessing condition.
Visitors to the World Horse Welfare stand at Badminton had the opportunity to try out the new materials using ‘Freddie’, the charity’s life-like equine model. Staff were also be available daily to offer advice and support.
Initial trials at Your Horse Live in November 2024 showed strong positive feedback, with 97% of participants preferring the new format and over 70% likely to use it themselves. Owners described the materials as “clear” and “easy to follow.”
Obesity in horses is linked to serious health conditions such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and laminitis, which can be costly and distressing to manage. According to Agria, average annual claims are £514.98 for laminitis and £365.15 for EMS.
Alongside the new resources, World Horse Welfare will provide practical advice on weight management strategies to help reduce the risk of these conditions.
The updated materials are available for download in the leaflet How to Know if Your Horse is the Right Weight? and as posters for yard use. Additional resources on feeding nutrition and weight management can also be found on the Yard Owner Hub