No – but it can be fed away
Some horse owners have been told that a fatty ridge disappears with more exercise.
But the truth is that a fat ridge is a sign that the body is in imbalance – often with disrupted metabolism and a risk of insulin resistance.
And it cannot be trained away alone.
It starts in the manger.
🔍 What is a fat comb?
A fat pad is a fatty deposit along the withers that often feels spongy or firm. It can occur in both overweight and lean horses and is a clear warning sign.
If you want to help the horse, you must:
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Feed low in sugar
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Provide adequate minerals and omega-3
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Ensure enough, but balanced protein
✅ Feeding plan per 100 kg horse
| Phase | Happy every day | +Fiber Mash | RC O3 algae oil | Soybean meal | Salt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 4 weeks | 85 g (seniors: 100 g) | 90g | 10 ml (seniors: 12 ml) | 100–150g | 10g |
| After 4 weeks | 65g (seniors: 80g) | 90g | 5 ml (seniors: 6 ml) | 100–150g | 10g |
📌 Add about 1.0 kg of hay/wrap, add 0.5-1 kg of spring barley straw - and no grass .
📏 How to keep up with the change
It is important to be able to monitor whether the feeding plan is working – and this requires that you measure and document along the way.
Buy a weight measuring tape and learn how to use it.
You measure around the narrowest part of the horse's belly, just behind the front legs . Practice placing the measuring tape the same way each time – measure three times and use the most accurate number. Write down the horse's weight estimate.
📅 Every Saturday you measure or weigh the horse again.
The following week you will have a new number to compare with. That way you can see if the plan is working – or if adjustments need to be made.
📸 We also recommend that you:
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Take a starting picture of the horse in profile – from the side where there is the least mane, so that the shape of the neck can be clearly seen
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Takes a new picture once a month to track progress
Small changes are hard to see in everyday life – but goals and pictures make the transformation visible.
🧠 Why does this plan work?
The feeding plan gives the body what it needs:
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Satiety and chewing time from textured food
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Comprehensive minerals and vitamins
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Omega-3 for cell function and fat burning
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Protein to maintain muscle mass and burn fat
Would you like help adapting the plan to your horse?
📩 Contact us – we'll be happy to help you get started.
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