As a pony owner, you do not need to be a vet — but you do need to know enough to recognise when something is wrong. This guide covers the most common illnesses and conditions affecting UK ponies, what signs to look for, and when to act. Think of it as a health primer: not a substitute for veterinary care, but the knowledge that helps you catch problems early and give your vet the right information.
The big five: the most common pony health problems
These five conditions account for the majority of health issues in UK family ponies. Knowing the signs of each is essential.
1. Laminitis
The most significant health risk for British native ponies. Laminitis is inflammation of the sensitive laminae inside the hoof, which can cause the pedal bone to rotate or sink. It is triggered by metabolic factors — obesity, rich grass, insulin resistance — and is a medical emergency.
Signs: heat in the hooves, strong digital pulse, reluctance to move, "rocked back" stance, short shuffling steps.
Act: call the vet immediately. Read our full laminitis guide.
2. Colic
Abdominal pain with many possible causes, from mild gas to a life-threatening twisted gut. It is the most common equine emergency.
Signs: pawing, looking at flanks, rolling, restlessness, sweating, reduced gut sounds, refusing food.
Act: call the vet immediately. Read our full colic guide.
3. Sweet itch
An allergic reaction to midge bites, causing intense itching along the mane and tail. Lifelong and worsening each year, but manageable with rugs and environmental control.
Signs: rubbing mane and tail, hair loss, broken skin, restlessness in spring and summer.
Act: start prevention before the season. Read our full sweet itch guide.
4. Mud fever
A bacterial skin infection of the lower legs, caused by wet, muddy conditions. Common in UK winters.
Signs: scabs and matted hair on the pasterns, redness, swelling, sometimes lameness.
Act: clean, dry and treat. Read our full mud fever guide.
5. Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)
A hormonal disorder, common in native breeds, that causes insulin resistance, abnormal fat deposition and a high risk of laminitis. It is not a disease you "catch" — it is a metabolic type, largely genetic, triggered or worsened by obesity and rich grazing.
Signs: a cresty neck, fat pads behind the shoulder and at the tail head, a pony that stays fat on minimal food, and a history of laminitis.
Act: ask your vet about testing (blood test for insulin and glucose). Management is through diet, weight control and exercise — there is no cure, but it can be managed. Read our good-doer guide for practical steps.
Conditions of older ponies
PPID (Cushing's disease)
Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction is a common condition of older ponies, typically 15 years and over. The pituitary gland produces excess hormones, causing a distinctive long, curly coat that does not shed properly in summer, weight loss (despite a good appetite), increased drinking and urination, lethargy, muscle wasting, and a significantly increased risk of laminitis.
Diagnosis: a blood test (basal ACTH or TRH stimulation test). Treatment: daily medication (pergolide/prascend), which controls the condition effectively in most ponies. Many PPID ponies live comfortable, active lives for years with treatment. If your older pony has a curly coat or repeated laminitis, ask your vet about testing.
Arthritis (osteoarthritis)
Progressive joint degeneration, common in older ponies and those that have had joint injuries. Causes stiffness (especially in the morning), shortened stride, reluctance to work, and behavioural changes. Managed with supplements, anti-inflammatories, appropriate exercise and weight control. Read our full arthritis guide.
Infectious diseases
Strangles
A highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus equi. It spreads by direct contact between horses, shared equipment, water troughs, and on human hands and clothing. Symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, depression, and abscesses in the lymph nodes under the jaw and throat. Most ponies recover with supportive care, but complications can be serious.
Prevention: isolate new arrivals for 2–3 weeks, practice good yard hygiene, avoid sharing equipment, and consider vaccination in high-risk situations. If you suspect strangles, call your vet immediately and do not move any horses off the yard — you could spread it to other premises.
Equine influenza (flu)
A viral respiratory disease, highly contagious. Causes fever, coughing, nasal discharge and lethargy. Preventable by vaccination, which is required by most yards, venues and Pony Club.
Tetanus
A bacterial infection, usually fatal, that enters through wounds. Ponies are highly susceptible. Entirely preventable by vaccination — every pony should be vaccinated. See our vaccination guide.
Equine herpes virus (EHV)
A viral infection that can cause respiratory disease, abortion in pregnant mares, and rarely a fatal neurological form. Vaccination is available for high-risk situations. Most family ponies do not need routine EHV vaccination unless they travel and mix with other horses frequently.
Skin conditions
Rain scald
Similar to mud fever but affecting the back and rump rather than the legs. Caused by the same bacterium (Dermatophilus congolensis) in wet conditions. The hair becomes matted with scabs in patches along the back. Treatment is the same as mud fever: remove scabs gently, clean, dry, and apply antiseptic cream. Prevention is keeping the pony dry with a turnout rug in wet weather.
Sarcoids
The most common skin tumour in horses and ponies. They are usually benign (they do not spread to internal organs) but can be locally aggressive and unsightly. They appear as lumps, nodules or ulcerated growths on the skin, often in areas where flies land (belly, groin, face). There are several types and treatment options (surgery, laser, creams, ligation). Never try to treat a sarcoid yourself — always have it assessed by a vet. They can grow rapidly and what looks small can become a major problem.
Melanomas
Dark skin lumps, most commonly seen in grey ponies. Often appear under the tail, around the anus or on the sheath. Most are slow-growing and benign, but some can become malignant. Have any new lump checked by your vet. Grey ponies are particularly prone — it is estimated that over 80% of grey horses over 15 have melanomas.
Respiratory conditions
Equine asthma (RAO / COPD / heaves)
Recurrent airway obstruction — an allergic respiratory condition triggered by dust and mould in hay, bedding or the environment. The pony coughs, has increased respiratory effort, and may develop a "heave line" (enlarged abdominal muscles from the effort of breathing). Management is primarily environmental: soak or steam hay, use a dust-free bedding, ensure good ventilation, and turn out as much as possible. Severe cases need veterinary medication (inhaled or oral corticosteroids and bronchodilators).
When to call the vet — a quick reference
| Symptom | Urgency | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Suspected colic | Emergency | Call vet now |
| Suspected laminitis | Emergency | Call vet now |
| Severe lameness / cannot bear weight | Emergency | Call vet now |
| Eye problem | Emergency | Call vet now |
| Deep wound near joint | Emergency | Call vet now |
| Cannot stand / collapsed | Emergency | Call vet now |
| High temperature (>39.5°C) | Urgent | Call vet same day |
| Mild lameness | Non-urgent | Monitor 24h, then call |
| Minor wound | Non-urgent | Clean, monitor, call if worsening |
| Off food but otherwise normal | Non-urgent | Monitor 24h, then call |
For the full guide, read when to call the vet (and when it can wait).
Prevention: the habits that keep ponies healthy
- Vaccinate against tetanus and flu annually. See our vaccination guide.
- Worm strategically using egg counts, not routine dosing. See our worming guide.
- Keep the weight off — obesity is the root cause of laminitis, EMS and many other problems. See our good-doer guide.
- Feed forage-first and avoid sudden dietary changes. See our feeding guide.
- Maintain regular dental and farrier care.
- Maximise turnout — movement and fresh air prevent respiratory and digestive problems.
- Know your pony's normal — temperature, appetite, behaviour, droppings. The sooner you spot a change, the better the outcome.
Next steps
- Read our individual guides for each condition — laminitis, colic, sweet itch, mud fever.
- Learn to take your pony's vital signs — see when to call the vet.
- Keep a first-aid kit stocked and your vet's number saved.
You do not need to be a vet to be a good pony owner — you just need to know your pony, recognise when something is off, and be willing to pick up the phone. The rest is what the vet is for.