Too much of a good thing

The first obvious sign that a horse has done too well is excess fat in the form of fat pads, usually visible over the crest and rump. The belly can look ‘heavy’ from excess intra-abdominal fat.

Apart from raising the risk of metabolic conditions, excess fat makes it harder to get fit for spring and summer riding and competing. In an overweight horse, more pressure will be exerted on the joints and soft tissues during exercise than if he is lighter. Without excess weight, your horse has a healthier blank canvas on which to build muscle and fitness.

Extra weight should come off before the first flush of spring grass, which could bring on laminitis. Ideally, shed some fat before putting them on the spring grass.

To do this, increase their exercise and cut back on hard feed or remove entirely, feeding a balancer only, while soaking hay, using a small-holed haynet to slow the speed of intake, and restricting grazing. You could also clip the horse one last time and minimise rugs, to increase weight loss through heat production.

When starting ridden fitness, take it easier with fatter horses, because their joints are carrying more weight. Build it up gradually: fast work is concussive so ride for longer at a lower speed rather than introducing lots of jumping or fast work too soon. (For more on fitness, see p72).

Frequency of riding is also important. Riding solely at the weekend or twice a week isn’t going to achieve what you need — a horse needs to be ridden most days to get the metabolic rate up. Consider sharing your horse or asking someone else to ride if you struggle for time in winter.