It is often dismissed as a "disease of affluence": The horse is "a bit too fat", has a cresty neck, and is lazy. But behind Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) lies not comfort, but a serious hormonal imbalance. It is the harbinger of our horses' deadliest enemy: laminitis.

EMS is comparable to Type 2 diabetes in humans. It is a combination of obesity (adiposity), insulin resistance, and an increased susceptibility to inflammation in the hoof. The good news: Since it is a "lifestyle disease", we as owners have the power to reverse it.

The Core of the Problem: Insulin Resistance

Insulin is the key that opens the door for cells so that sugar (energy) from the blood can enter. In a healthy horse, this works smoothly.

With EMS, this lock no longer works properly. The horse eats sugar (grass, muesli, carrots), blood sugar levels rise, but the cells do not absorb the energy. The pancreas panics and releases even more insulin. The result: A permanently elevated insulin level in the blood. And exactly this excess insulin is toxic to the lamellae in the hoof.

How do I recognize EMS?

Not every fat horse has EMS, and not every EMS horse is extremely fat. Watch out for these warning signs:

  • Fat deposits: Typical pads on the crest ("Cresty Neck"), at the tail head, or behind the shoulder.
  • Sensitivity: The horse walks "stiffly" or carefully on hard ground (soreness).
  • Ravenous appetite: The horse seems constantly hungry but does not lose weight despite little food ("easy keeper").

Management: Resetting the Metabolism

There is no pill for EMS. The therapy consists of three tough but effective pillars:

1. Radical Sugar Reduction

Away with muesli, apples, treats, and bread. The basis is soaked hay (to reduce sugar content) or hay with an analyzed sugar content below 10%. Grazing is often taboo for EMS horses until values are normal again.

2. Exercise (without rider)

Muscles are the biggest sugar burners in the body. If the horse does not have acute laminitis, exercise is mandatory. Active walking, lunging, or walks boost metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity.

3. Lowering Inflammation

Adipose tissue is not inactive. It is a hormonally active organ that constantly emits inflammatory messengers. To break this vicious cycle, longevity experts rely on Omega-3 fatty acids.

Studies show that EPA and DHA (from algae oil) make cell walls more flexible. The "lock" for insulin works better again, and systemic inflammation decreases. Important: Linseed oil is often not enough here, as the conversion to EPA/DHA is inefficient in horses.

Conclusion

EMS is a warning shot. If you hear it and act – through diet, training, and targeted supplementation – you can spare your horse painful laminitis and give it a long, active life.