Obesity and obesity-associated metabolic disease conditions in Connemara ponies in Ireland.
Authors: Al-Ansari Ahmed Saleh, Golding Emma, Walshe Nicola, Mooney Carmel T, Duggan Vivienne
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Connemara Ponies: High Prevalence of Obesity and Insulin Dysregulation Connemara ponies appear particularly susceptible to metabolic disease, with this cross-sectional study of 200 registered animals revealing that nearly 70% displayed some form of abnormal adiposity distribution, whilst 46% had a history of or clinical evidence of laminitis. The research team assessed body condition using the Henneke scoring system alongside cresty neck scoring and regional fat distribution, then measured insulin dysregulation through basal insulin concentrations and oral sugar testing (OST). Hyperinsulinaemia was confirmed in 16% of ponies overall, though the OST detected the condition in over a quarter of those tested (25.3%), substantially higher than the 8.3% identified by basal insulin measurement alone—suggesting basal testing alone may underestimate disease prevalence in this breed. Critically, ponies with a body condition score of 7 or above were 6.5 times more likely to be hyperinsulinaemic, indicating strong predictive value for practitioners assessing metabolic risk. For farriers, veterinarians and other equine professionals managing Connemara ponies, these findings highlight the importance of rigorous body condition scoring and cresty neck assessment as practical screening tools for insulin dysregulation, particularly given the breed's propensity for obesity-related metabolic disease. The superior diagnostic sensitivity of OST over basal insulin measurement in this population suggests consideration of dynamic testing protocols when metabolic disease is suspected despite normal resting values, strengthening preventative approaches to laminitis management in this genetically predisposed breed.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Connemara ponies show high prevalence of obesity and metabolic dysfunction; breed-specific screening and management protocols should be considered routine practice
- •Oral sugar testing detected hyperinsulinaemia more effectively than basal insulin measurement alone—clinicians should use both methods for comprehensive assessment in at-risk ponies
- •Nearly half of these ponies have laminitis history; aggressive weight management and metabolic monitoring are essential preventive strategies for this breed
Key Findings
- •68.5% of Connemara ponies had at least one obesity-related abnormality (elevated BCS, cresty neck, or regional adiposity)
- •46% of ponies had owner-reported history or clinical evidence of chronic laminitis
- •16% of ponies had confirmed hyperinsulinaemia (25.3% by oral sugar test, 8.3% by basal insulin)
- •BCS ≥7 increased odds of hyperinsulinaemia by a factor of 6.53 compared to lower BCS