14/09/2026
⚠️ BEWARE OF THE “GOOD DOER” HORSES & PONIES Kohnke's Own
We often describe a horse or pony as a “good doer” as though it’s a good thing — they seem to live on fresh air, hold condition easily and need very little hard feed.
But being an exceptionally good doer can come with its own set of nutritional and metabolic challenges.
Horses and ponies with an “easy keeper” metabolism, particularly those that remain overweight for long periods, may be at greater risk of developing insulin resistance and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). A history of excess body condition, high-sugar or high-starch diets, limited exercise and abnormal fat deposits is associated with an increased risk of recurring laminitis.
🐴 It’s not just about being “fat”
One of the important things to watch is where your horse or pony stores fat.
Early signs of insulin resistance can include:
- A cresty neck, particularly one that becomes firm or hard
- Fat pads around the tail head
- Bulging fat deposits above the eyes
- Fat deposits behind the shoulders or underneath the belly
- Increasing difficulty maintaining a healthy body condition
- Sensitivity to changes in pasture or dietary sugar
- A history of foot soreness or recurring laminitis
In fact, a cresty neck can be one of the more characteristic early warning signs of insulin resistance, even in a horse or pony that doesn't appear particularly obese overall.
🌱 Spring can be particularly challenging
For the good doer, lush pasture isn't necessarily their friend.
Rapidly growing spring pasture — or a fresh flush of growth following rain — can significantly increase their intake of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs). For horses already struggling with insulin regulation, unrestricted access can increase the risk of laminitis.
And remember: more feed isn't always better nutrition.
Good doers may need very little additional energy, but they still require adequate quality protein, vitamins, minerals, trace minerals and salt. The goal is to meet their nutritional requirements without supplying unnecessary calories, sugar and starch.
🏃 Management is key
For horses and ponies prone to obesity or insulin resistance, management should focus on maintaining a healthy body condition, controlling NSC intake and providing regular appropriate exercise. Dietary management and exercise can help reduce body fat, improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the progression toward laminitis.
Most importantly, don't wait until your “good doer” has a rock-hard crest or sore feet before taking their weight seriously.
A horse that maintains weight easily doesn't necessarily need less nutrition — they need nutrition with fewer unnecessary calories.
If you're concerned about your horse's weight, cresty neck or risk of insulin resistance, contact us for a free ration analysis.
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🌱 Keep an Eye on Those Good Doers This Spring! 🐴
For over 15 years, Kohnke’s Own TRIM has been helping horse and pony owners manage their good doers through the challenging Spring and Summer season.
TRIM is a specialised weight-management supplement for horses and ponies that are overweight or prone to developing cresty necks and fat deposits.
💚 Why TRIM?
✔️ Contains carefully selected nutrients balanced at specific levels to support healthy metabolism
✔️ Ideal for good doers and horses or ponies needing weight-management support
✔️ Helps soften and reduce cresty neck and tail-butt fat
✔️ Can be introduced proactively when seasonal pasture growth increases the risk of unwanted weight gain
✔️ Trusted by horse owners for over 15 years
With lush spring pasture on the way, now is the time to keep a close eye on body condition and those tell-tale fat deposits.
