Anyone else’s horse treating the spring grass like an all-you-can-eat?
The grass is growing faster than ever and unless restricted, your pony or horse will be consuming more and more calories every day, often unwanted, and with the potential to cause serious health issues.
Grazing reduction strategies such as the easy use of a grazing muzzle, strip grazing and track systems can help control your horse's grass intake and support improved health.
The grass might not look like it’s growing, but looks can be deceiving! With all the rain and sunshine, sugar levels are on the rise. Try sectioning off a small area or checking along the fence line where your horse can’t reach… you’ll be surprised how much it’s growing!
How to spot if your horse is eating too much grass:
Keep an eye on your horse's droppings daily. This helps you to monitor their diet and digestion. Next time you're in the field, check to see if droppings have increased, a tell tale sign of too much grass, and potential unwanted excess calories!
@bluechipfeed 🌱 Have you noticed a heavier wheelbarrow when poo picking lately? 🐴💩 The grass is growing faster than ever and unless restricted, your horse will be consuming more ... and producing more! Keep an eye on your horse's droppings daily, it helps you to monitor their diet and digestion. Next time you're in the field, check to see if droppings have increased, a tell tale sign of too much grass, and potential unwanted excess calories! 👀🌾 #horse #horses #equestrian #horsesoftiktok #springgrass #horsetips #horsehacks #fyp #foryou #horsehealth #equine #bluechip ♬ love song (hesitations) (sped up) - Lofuu & Shiloh Dynasty & dprk
Uninterested in their forage in the stable? After consuming ample amounts of fresh grass, your horse will feel full and satisfied, reducing their desire to eat additional forage like hay. This can lead to decreased hay consumption when stabled.
@bluechipfeed Anyone else’s horse treating the spring grass like an all-you-can-eat? This time of year is very common for weight gain, so grazing muzzles or restricted turnout can really help keep their weight and grass intake check! #horsesoftiktok #horsehealth #laminitisawareness #springgrass #tipoftheday #equestrian #horsetips #tipoftheday #weightgain #equinehealth ♬ original sound - bluechipfeed
Unwanted weight gain. Weight tape weekly (and record results) to make sure your horse is not gaining unwanted weight. Weight gain can be tricky to spot when you see your horse every day.
Development of fat pads (in all or some of the following locations). Along the crest of the neck, withers, behind the shoulders, ribs, loins, croup and tail head.
Laminitis symptoms. Signs include lameness (especially on hard surfaces and when turning), Laminitic stance (leaning weight back onto hind feet to relieve pressure on front feet), reluctance to move, a strong and bounding digital pulse, heat in the hooves, shifting weight between feet, and pain reaction to hoof pressure (especially near the frog).
Digestive changes. Sudden dietary changes can disrupt the digestive system, leading to loose droppings and even colic.
Unwanted changes in behaviour. Your horse may become more excitable, anxious, or display unusual behaviours due to increased sugar and starch intake.
What can I do as an owner?
Strip grazing is an effective method to control grass intake for your pony/horse. Section off a portion of the field using temporary electric fencing and gradually move it to allow access to fresh grass over time. It helps to control intake, supports the prevention of obesity and Laminitis and also improves the health of your grazing
Fit a grazing muzzle. Proven to reduce grass intake by approximately 80%, making them a highly valuable tool for controlling calorie consumption, without limiting turnout time. They help to reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions, including Laminitis and Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS).
Implement a Track System. Encouraging your horse to move, and therefore burn calories.
DON'T FORGET overindulgence of grass can lead to Laminitis, a painful inflammatory condition. Obesity, where excessive weight gain can strain joints and organs and also digestive issues, where a sudden intake of lush grass can disrupt the gut microbiome.
Monitoring and managing grass intake is essential to support the prevention of these conditions. THE GRASS IS GROWING!
@bluechipfeed The grass might not look like it’s doing much 🌱👀 but looks can be deceiving! With all the rain and sunshine, sugar levels are on the rise. Try sectioning off a small area or checking along the fenceline where your horse can’t reach… you’ll be surprised how much it’s growing! #horsesoftiktok #horsehealth #laminitisawareness #springgrass #tipoftheday #equestrian #horsetips #grasscheck #ems #laminitis #weightgain ♬ original sound - bluechipfeed
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