Healthy Horse: A Comprehensive Approach to Well-being Based on Modern Science Introduction: From Absence of Disease to Optimal Condition The concept of a "healthy horse" in modern veterinary medicine, zoopsychology, and animal welfare science has evolved from the simple absence of clinical symptoms of disease to a holistic concept of optimal physiological, psychological, and social condition. Health is now defined as a dynamic balance that allows the animal to successfully adapt to the environment, express its species-specific behavioral repertoire, and demonstrate resilience to stress. This approach is based on the "Five Freedoms," reinterpreted as "Five Areas of Well-being," where the emphasis is shifted from minimizing negative states to ensuring positive ones. Physiological Health: Biochemistry, Movement, and Homeostasis Nutritional Balance and Digestion: A healthy horse is, first and foremost, a horse with a properly functioning gastrointestinal tract, which is evolutionarily adapted to nearly continuous consumption of low-calorie roughage. Key indicators: Stable body weight (assessed by the Henneke Body Condition Scoring Scale, ideal score 5-6 out of 9). Healthy teeth and effective chewing (absence of "piles," quidding — dropping of undigested feed). Regular defecation (12-15 times a day), of normal consistency, without a sharp putrefactive odor. Absence of metabolic syndromes: control of insulin levels, absence of signs of laminitis, endocrine orthopedics. Interesting fact: The microbiome of the horse's cecum and colon contains a complex community of bacteria, protozoa, and fungi responsible for cellulose fermentation. Its disruption (dysbiosis) is a direct path to colics, laminitis, and systemic inflammation. Modern methods include the analysis of metagenome of feces for personalized ration correction. Musculoskeletal System and Movement: Health is unimaginable without the ability to move freely, corresponding to the species-specific need. Absence of lamenes ... Read more