🩺 Vet’s 2025 Guide to Preventing Founder in Horses 🐴

Founder, or laminitis, is one of the most painful and potentially debilitating conditions in horses. In 2025, with increased understanding of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and insulin resistance, we’re better equipped than ever to prevent this painful disease. In this comprehensive guide, Dr. Duncan Houston offers expert insights into how you can protect your horse from founder through thoughtful nutrition, metabolic care, and lifestyle management. 🧠🌿

💥 What Is Founder in Horses?

Founder is the common term for a severe form of laminitis—an inflammation of the laminae within the hoof. When the laminae become inflamed, they weaken and can no longer support the coffin bone properly. In severe cases, the bone may rotate or sink, causing extreme pain and lameness. 🐾🔥

📊 The Link Between Founder and Equine Metabolic Syndrome

In many modern cases, especially among overweight horses, founder is often linked to Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). This condition is similar to Type 2 diabetes in humans and involves insulin resistance. 🚫🍬

Here’s how the process works:

1. 🥕 A horse consumes high levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), especially from grass or rich feeds.
2. 🧪 The horse’s body produces more insulin to deal with the sugar surge.
3. 📉 In horses with insulin resistance, cells stop responding properly to insulin.
4. 🔥 Elevated insulin levels persist in the blood and can trigger laminitis.

These metabolic horses were once called “easy keepers”—they gained and maintained weight easily. Now we understand the science behind it, and we can act preventively. 💡

🧪 How to Test for Insulin Resistance

Veterinarians can perform bloodwork to measure insulin and glucose levels. The most common diagnostic tests include:

• 🩸 Fasting Insulin Test – Measures insulin after the horse has fasted.
• 🍩 Oral Sugar Test – Evaluates insulin response after feeding a sugar dose.
• 📊 Combined Glucose-Insulin Test – Provides more nuanced insulin sensitivity data.

If insulin levels are elevated, your vet will likely recommend a tailored metabolic plan. 📝🐴

🥕 Feeding to Prevent Founder

Diet is the #1 tool for managing horses with EMS and preventing founder. In 2025, the equine nutrition field offers more tools than ever before to support low-NSC feeding. Here’s how:

🌾 Focus on Hay

• 📦 Feed hay at 1.5% of the horse's ideal body weight daily (around 15 lbs for a 1,000-lb horse).
• 🧪 Select hay with NSC levels under 10%.
• 🚿 Soak hay in water for 30–60 minutes to reduce sugars—then test to ensure NSCs are under 10%.

🍎 Avoid Concentrates and Sugary Treats

• ❌ No sweet feeds, grains, or molasses-laced products.
• ✅ Choose a low-carb balancer with vitamin E and essential minerals.

🌿 Pasture Control

• 🔒 Limit grazing, especially in spring and early summer.
• 🌅 Restrict turnout to early morning or use a grazing muzzle.
• 🏜️ In severe cases, pasture should be eliminated altogether.

For help designing a diet, consult your vet or reach out via the Ask A Vet app. 📲

⚖️ Managing Weight Safely

Weight loss must be gradual and safe to prevent muscle loss or nutritional deficiencies.

📋 Weight Loss Plan Tips:

• 🚶 Increase exercise based on the horse’s soundness.
• 🥬 Feed only what’s necessary—avoid “filler” treats.
• 📉 Aim for a weight loss of 1% per week.

🧠 Consider Thyroid Supplementation

In some cases, thyroid supplementation is used to enhance insulin sensitivity and support weight loss. This should only be prescribed and monitored by your veterinarian. 🧴🩺

🦶 Hoof Care for Founder Prevention

Because laminitis directly affects the hoof structure, farrier care is essential in a prevention plan:

• 🪒 Frequent trimming every 4–6 weeks
• 🦶 Use of supportive shoes or boots if needed
• 🔍 Watch for early signs like heat in the feet, increased digital pulse, or subtle lameness

📱 Digital Tools and the Ask A Vet App

Track your horse’s progress with modern apps designed to simplify horse care:

• 📈 Log weight, diet changes, and insulin results
• 📷 Share photos with your vet for hoof monitoring
• 💬 Chat directly with veterinary professionals on the Ask A Vet app

Download the Ask A Vet app today to take control of your horse’s metabolic health journey. 💚

🧠 Final Thoughts: Prevention is Power

Preventing founder is possible with knowledge and proactive care. By managing diet, monitoring insulin, and controlling access to pasture, you’re laying the groundwork for your horse to live a long, sound life. 🐴✨

Don’t wait until laminitis strikes—if your horse is an easy keeper or showing signs of metabolic syndrome, talk to your vet or connect with AskAVet.com today.