15/09/2026
ZVD is open over the Public Holiday long weekend, with lessons running across the weekend for riders of all levels šøš“
Spring is well and truly here, and while the longer days, warmer weather and green paddocks are beautiful, it also means constantly reassessing how we manage each horse. A big part of that is simply energy in versus energy out.
As pasture starts growing quickly, horses can suddenly be taking in a lot more energy without anything else in their routine changing. For some, that means weight gain or a bit of extra freshness. Others are in enough work that they still need additional feed to support training, recovery and muscle development.
Thereās no one size fits all approach. A good doer in light work on plenty of spring grass needs very different management to a performance horse in heavier work, a young horse growing, or an older horse that struggles to hold condition.
At this time of year weāre constantly watching body condition, intake, workload, feet, rugging and how each horse actually feels to ride. Then we adjust as we go.
Spring management isnāt just about feeding less because the grass is green. Itās about asking: how much energy is going in, how much is going out, and does this horse look and feel right for the work weāre asking them to do?
Thereās definitely more paddock rotating, mowing, spraying and rug changing involved at this time of year, but itās worth it when the horses are happy, healthy and feeling their best.
