Metabolic horses need exercise
Movement is a basic need for a horse and it is up to us to provide it. This is especially true for our metabolic horses.
Walking is a great tool for improving metabolism and keeping horses fit.
Some horses are very lucky. They find their way to owners who genuinely put the horse's wellbeing before their own interests of riding. Some owners are willing to put riding on pause for a year or two, even though the horse doesn't have a »proper injury« but »just« a postural problem. Some owners are even completely ok with never riding the horse again due to chronic issues. And they are more than happy to care for them despite never being able to enjoy a trail ride or the joy of a well-executed manoeuvre in the arena. I have nothing but the deepest respect for owners who truly put their horses first. But there can be a downside to this.
Often these horses have very comfortable lives, not having to do much and getting lots of love and attention. And carrots. Apples. All sorts of muesli feeds. And of course, nice lush grass come spring. Often, these horses become overweight. And while they might be ok while they're still young, as they get older, they might start to exhibit typical metabolic symptoms. They get fat pads behind their scapulas, a cresty neck and fat pads on the dock of their tails. They become sluggish and footy in the spring and autumn months. They have an insatiable appetite. They suffer from chronic laminitis.
Horses were born to walk tens of kilometres each day. They need movement to keep them healthy. But horses are also wired to try to save up as much energy as they can, in case of a food shortage or in case they need to run away from a predator. So, if not motivated to do so, horses generally won't walk around for hours for no good reason. This is why exercising our horses is just as important as feeding them, taking care of their hooves and providing them with regular dental check-ups. Even horses who are not in work, need to exercise. Even horses with chronic issues need to exercise. Of course, I am not saying you need to make your chronically lame horse run around for an hour each day, but even the ones who have problems, need to do some gentle exercise at least a couple of times a week.
Walks are a fabulous way to keep those extra kilograms off and to improve metabolic function. Humans with metabolic problems such as diabetes, benefit tremendously from even very gentle exercise, like walking. The same is true of horses. Keeping them fit will improve their metabolism, making them less prone to episodes of laminitis. If walks out in nature is something our horse can't handle, we can try very gentle lunging, groundwork, target training, or even just walking them around their turn-out area. We can teach them scent-work, or hide (small!) treats in different places or we can teach them to fetch a ball. There are so many options. Taking good care of a horse involves exercising them. There is no way around that. So, if your horse is over-loved and over-fed and is starting to look a bit pudgy, grab the head collar and lead and go walking. Right now.