🌱 Spring Grass = Energy Overload! Do you find this?
Spring often supplies over 100% of your ponies or horse's daily calorific needs. This over-supply can lead to behavioural and health issues. It's time to BE AWARE!
Did you know that spring grass is rich in sugars and carbohydrates and therefore contains more calories than winter grazing?
Even if your horse’s routine and diet remain exactly the same, their energy (calorie) intake can skyrocket just because the grass is richer! No wonder some horses feel a little too fresh this time of year!
💡 Tips to manage that spring surge in energy:
✔️ Limit grazing with a grazing muzzle or strip grazing to control sugar intake.
✔️ Support a calm mind with a balancer that includes calming ingredients Magnesium, Chamomile & L-tryptophan.
✔️ Look after their gut – pre & probiotics in a balancer can help maintain a happy tummy.
A few small changes can help keep your horse feeling their best this spring! Find out more about Calming Balancer HERE!
More information on how spring grass can influence horses:
- Increased energy: Spring grass is often high in sugars, especially fructans, which cause ponies and horses to have more energy. You may see an increase in playful or excitable behaviour.
- Mood changes: Increased intake of higher-energy grass can affect temperament. Your pony/horse may become more spirited, which can make them feel more energetic or "fresh" after the winter months.
- Socialising and competitiveness: They may exhibit behaviours like dominance displays or more play-fighting.
- More daylight and warmer weather: The change to warmer weather and longer days helps horses "feel better"
- Longer Grazing Sessions: Spring grass is usually tender and abundant, which may encourage horses to graze for longer periods.
- Over-eating: If horses are turned out on fresh grass, they may overeat, especially if they’re not used to that quantity or quality of forage.
- Selective grazing: Horses often become more selective when grazing in the spring, choosing the freshest, most tender grass first, which can lead to digestive issues if they're not monitored properly.
- Risk of Laminitis: Spring grass can be problematic for horses prone to Laminitis due to the high sugar content. This can lead to limping (lameness), reluctance to move, and signs of discomfort such as shifting weight. In severe cases, horses may become less willing to stand or walk.
- Colic Risk: If a horse overeats spring grass, they could be at risk for Colic.
Spring grass can make horses more energetic, excitable, and sometimes more difficult to manage due to the nutritional changes in their diet. It's important to monitor how much grass your pony or horse is consuming and adjust their diet or exercise routines to avoid issues like Laminitis, Colic, or other behavioural concerns.
By feeding a calming balancer you can support both behaviour and digestive health in an all-in-one solution.
