THE Blue Cross animal charity has warned of the dangers of equine obesity as it revealed that 40% of all horses and ponies taken in by its equine centres last year were overweight - an increase of 5% on the previous year.

A campaign aimed at tackling this growing problem was launched at Badminton Horse Trials, with backing from leading event riders including Devon’s own Mary King.

Mary said: “Too much food and too little exercise is no good for people or horses. Keeping your horse or pony in the best condition for the job, whether it’s hacking or competing, is part of the pleasure of horse ownership.

“Health and fitness are the backbones of responsible horse care and should be every rider’s priority.”

The Blue Cross’s Fat Horse Slim campaign aims to tackle the growing problem of equine obesity by providing practical guidelines for every horse keeper to monitor and manage the weight of their horse.

“Many owners may not be aware that their horse has a weight problem or the serious health risks associated with this,” added Rosie Mogford, Blue Cross equine welfare education officer.

“Our perceptions as horse owners have changed over the years and ‘well’ or round looking horses are now more acceptable than they used to be.

“With this campaign we hope to educate people about the healthy weight for their horses and teach them how to achieve this.”

An educational film fronted by international showjumper Tim Stockdale can be viewed at www.fathorseslim.org.uk, which also offers fat horse success stories and the option to enter The Blue Cross ‘Fat Horse Slimmer of the Year’ competition.

The Blue Cross has also produced a Fat Horse Slim weight management pack, sponsored by Dengie, containing everything the horse owner needs to know about weight monitoring and management.

This includes a 28-page educational guide and tools to help people measure their horse’s weight. The pack costs £8 plus postage and is now available to order online at www.fathorseslim.org.uk or by calling The Blue Cross on 0845 230 1672.

It can also be bought from the The Blue Cross stand at Badminton and other equestrian events throughout the year. Proceeds from the packs will support The Blue Cross’s work helping animals in need.