Conclusion
The aim of this review was to demonstrate our growing understanding of the complexities of adipose tissue and its essential role in the morbidity of equine obesity. It is vital that knowledge gleaned from this work should be translated into practical benefits in terms of equine welfare; helping owners and veterinary surgeons to mitigate the impact of obesity on the domestic equine population. The authors have found it is useful to include discussion of “unhealthy” adipose when communicating with owners about obesity. In doing this, the owner should become aware that the horse is not just fat, but this fat is producing factors which negatively impact most other organs in the body.