What serious condition might a pony develop if it becomes too fat?

Laminitis is a serious condition that can develop in a pony as a result of obesity. When a pony becomes overweight, it places excessive stress on the hoof structure and can lead to inflammation and damage to the laminae, the sensitive tissues that attach the hoof wall to the bone inside the hoof. This inflammation disrupts blood flow and can cause severe pain and lameness.

Obesity can also exacerbate other health issues, such as insulin resistance, which is linked to laminitis. This makes maintaining a healthy weight crucial for preventing this debilitating condition. Laminitis can result in long-term damage to the hooves, and in severe cases, may even necessitate euthanasia.

While colic, choke, and founders are also serious conditions, they do not directly result from obesity in the same way laminitis does. Therefore, understanding the direct link between obesity and laminitis is essential for pony care and management.