Some horses are simply easy keepers. But when an easy keeper also has a cresty neck, abnormal fat deposits, difficulty losing weight, or a history of laminitis, it may be worth taking a closer look at their metabolic health.
What is Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)?
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is a metabolic condition associated with insulin dysregulation, meaning the body does not respond to insulin normally. Horses with insulin dysregulation may have difficulty maintaining a healthy weight and are at an increased risk for laminitis.
Many EMS horses are considered “easy keepers,” but body condition alone does not determine whether a horse has EMS. Some horses may appear relatively normal in weight while still having abnormal insulin responses.
Signs Your Horse May Be at Risk
Some common signs and risk factors include:
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Overweight or difficulty losing weight
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Regional fat deposits, particularly a cresty neck, tailhead, or fat around the shoulders
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Abnormal fat pads despite controlled feeding
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A history of laminitis or recurring foot soreness
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A tendency to gain weight easily
These signs can be clues, but they do not diagnose EMS on their own.
Why Do Some Horses Develop EMS?
Genetics can play an important role. Many horses with metabolic tendencies come from breeds that evolved to survive on limited forage and efficiently store energy. That efficiency can become a challenge when those horses have access to abundant, calorie-rich forage and pasture.
Breeds commonly associated with EMS include Morgans, Arabians, Quarter Horses, Paso Finos, and pony breeds.
Why Does EMS Matter?
One of the biggest concerns with insulin dysregulation is the increased risk of laminitis. A horse does not have to be visibly lame or have an obvious history of laminitis for metabolic concerns to be worth addressing.
Recognizing potential risk factors early and taking a proactive approach to management can help reduce the risk of complications.
Suspect your Horse May Be at Risk?
EMS cannot be diagnosed by appearance alone. If you notice signs or risk factors that concern you, talk with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can evaluate your horse’s history, body condition, and metabolic risk and may recommend testing to assess insulin regulation.
Management Matters
For horses with EMS or insulin dysregulation, management is the foundation of a long-term plan. This may include:
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Appropriate calorie intake and weight management
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A controlled, low-NSC diet based on appropriate forage
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Limited or controlled pasture access when necessary
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Regular exercise when the horse is sound
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Veterinary monitoring and guidance
Pasture deserves special consideration, too. For some easy-keeping horses, unrestricted grazing can make it difficult to control calorie and NSC intake. Pasture conditions, grazing time, and the individual horse’s metabolic risk all play a role.
Where can Nutritional Support fit in?
Diet and weight management should remain the foundation of an EMS management plan. Targeted nutritional support may also have a place in a comprehensive approach.
When evaluating a supplement, look beyond the front of the label. Ingredients such as magnesium, chromium, and antioxidants may be included in formulas designed to support normal glucose metabolism and healthy metabolic function.
The goal isn't to replace proper diet, exercise, or veterinary care. It’s to provide nutritional support as part of a proactive approach to your horse’s overall health.
EMS is something to manage proactively, not something to wait until a horse develops a serious problem. If your horse is an easy keeper, carries excess or regional fat, struggles to lose weight, or has a history of laminitis, it may be time to take a closer look at metabolic health. Recognizing the risk early can help you and your veterinarian build an appropriate management plan before bigger problems develop.
