Prevalence of and risk factors for equine obesity in Great Britain based on owner‐reported body condition scores

REASONS FOR PERFORMING THE STUDY: Few data are available on the prevalence of obesity in the general equine population of Great Britain (GB), and its associated risk factors. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of owner‐reported obesity in veterinary‐registered horses and ponies in GB, and identify factors associated with obesity. STUDY DESIGN: A cross‐sectional survey of horse/pony owners in GB was undertaken using a postal questionnaire. METHODS: Thirty veterinary practices randomly selected horse/pony owners to complete a self‐administered postal questionnaire. Owners estimated body condition score using a modified Carroll and Huntington method (1–6 scale), and animals were classified as obese if they were scored as either 5 (fat) or 6 (very fat). Factors associated with obesity were assessed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence of obesity was 31.2% (n = 247/792; 95% confidence interval [CI] 27.9–34.2%). Factors associated with increased odds of obesity were breed (P