Spring Fever

Tips for a successful grazing season for your horse

Dear horse lovers,

Spring has finally arrived and with it, the long-awaited start of the grazing season for many horses. The coat change is over, winter flab has been slowly lost and now it's time for horses and their owners to take the first and most beautiful step on the way to summer: the pasture! We've compiled a few tips on what to keep in mind when grazing.

It's tempting to simply open the gates, take off the halter and let your horse enjoy unbridled freedom in the pasture for the next few months. But, wait: you're taking a huge risk if your horse is abruptly turned out to pasture from being kept in a stable without any preparation. Even horses who have a lot of exercise in an open stable need to be gradually acclimatised to the change to sand or other bare ground.

A slow start

The transition from winter feeding to pasture grazing should be made slowly and carefully to avoid digestive problems such as colic. Start with short grazing periods and gradually increase them to allow your horse to get used to fresh grass.

Quality of the pasture grass

Make sure that the pasture grass is of good quality. Avoid pastures with poisonous plants and do not let the grass be grazed too short to protect the sward and maintain the feed quality.

Controlled grazing

Controlled grazing can help prevent a horse from eating too much and minimise the risk of colic or laminitis. Use a fence or paddock to control the grazing time.

Supplementary feed

Supplementary feeding may be necessary depending on the quality of the pasture grass and the individual needs of the horse. Consider whether you want to add mineral feed or add special nutritional supplements to ensure a balanced nutrient intake. Parallel feeding of roughage in the pasture has also proven to be useful, as this can alleviate the transition, especially in the beginning. Charcoal feed can be helpful during grazing as it supports natural detoxification, binds potential toxins in fresh grass, balances the horse's gastrointestinal tract, binds excess acids and gases and promotes digestion. Furthermore, charcoal feed can also counteract diarrhoea caused by pasture grass.

Consulting a professional feed consultant is highly recommended as nutrient deficiencies can quickly develop in the pasture despite an abundance of greenery! Anna, a member of the team at CharLine, has 15 years of experience as a feed consultant - please feel free to contact her with any questions you have about the right feed for your horse.

Pay close attention to special needs

Sensitive horses or horses with a history of illness should have a significantly longer transition period - this is vitally important! The digestive system cannot process a sudden excess of carbohydrates and fructans, which are specifically present in young pasture grass, and can result in the release of toxins in the body. This can lead to consequences such as hoof dermatitis and laminitis.

Parasite control

The start of the grazing season also brings with it a heightened risk of parasite infestations. Ensure regular worming and consult your vet for a suitable worming schedule. It is advisable to take tick prevention measures such as regularly checking the horse for ticks and using a tick repellent if necessary.

Summary

Grazing time is a wonderful opportunity for horses to enjoy natural exercise and feed on fresh grass. With the right preparation and care you can ensure that your horse stays healthy and happy through the grazing season.

We hope these tips will help you to optimise the grazing season for your horse. If you have any questions or would like personalised advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.