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The link above will give you an understanding of the differences between (EMS) Equine Metabolic Syndrome and (PPD) pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction or Equine Cushing's Disease.
Both are diseases of the endocrine system in the horse.
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) versus Equine Cushing's Disease (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction) (PPID)
Differences Between Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Cushing's Disease (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction) (PPID)
Information: Amanda Adams, PhD, an Research Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS): Breed Can be any breed; however, pony breeds, domesticated Spanish mustangs, Peruvian Pasos, Paso Finos, Andalusians, European Warmbloods, American Saddlebreds, Morgans, and American Quarter Horses are more prone to developing EMS than others.
Equine Cushing's Disease (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction) (PPID): Any breed
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS): Age Tends to occur in adult horses younger than 15 years.
Equine Cushing's Disease/(Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction) (PPID): Typically an older horse problem with an average onset at 15 years.
Classic clinical signs
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS): Insulin resistance, history of or active laminitis, increased adiposity or fat depositions in regions such as the neck crest, fat pads at the base of tail, and over the ribs. Long, curly hair coat (hirsutism or now called hypertrichosis), loss of muscle mass, pot-bellied appearance, and polyuria/polydipsia.
Diagnosis
Equine Cushing's Disease/(Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction) (PPID): Oral sugar test, basal and fasting insulin levels, and ruling out PPID.
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS): Overnight dexamethasone suppression test, thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation Test, basal levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, and ruling out insulin resistance.
Treatment
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS): Dietary modification (i.e., reduce caloric intake, avoid diets high in starch, avoid nonstructural carbohydrates), exercise if possible, Medical therapy with levothyroxine or metformin.
Equine Cushing's Disease/Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID): Pergolide
For More Information:
EMS-Equine Enemy #1 
Understanding the Differences between EMS and PPID
Equine Cushing's Disease or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID)
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