Obese horse numbers 'increasing'

The charity says many horse owners lack specific knowledge on nutrition

The number of obese horses in the UK has risen significantly, according to equine charity World Horse Welfare.

The charity, which weighed 230 horses in the UK, found 81% were overweight. It says many people feed their horses too much and exercise them too little.

Many of the animals develop problems which lead to them being put down.

Obesity puts a strain on the animal's heart and lungs and can cause laminitis, a condition where foot bones rotate and push through the sole.

In many of these cases the horses have to be put down.

The charity, formerly the International League for the Protection of Horses, told BBC Radio 4's Farming Today many new owners lack specific knowledge about animal nutrition and exercise.

Its concerns have been echoed by the RSPCA, which has seen similar problems in dogs and cats.

The new evidence about horses is set to be discussed by an independent think-tank next month.