06/09/2026
๐๐ก๐ ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ ๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ง - ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ก๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ ๐?
After such a dry summer, many of us have had very little grass available for our horses, meaning we have been relying more heavily on hay and other forage. With recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, pasture growth is now increasing, and for some horses this can represent quite a significant change in their diet.
This is particularly important for horses at risk of laminitis, including those that are overweight, have a previous history of laminitis, or have conditions such as EMS or PPID.
Itโs not just laminitis-prone horses that can be affected. Some horses are sensitive to changes in diet or routine, and an increase in fresh grass can contribute to digestive upset, loose droppings or an increased risk of colic.
Now is a good time to:
Monitor your horseโs weight and body condition as well as their insulin levels after grazing.
Be aware of how much grass they are now consuming, what may not look plentiful may pose a risk.
Adjust turnout gradually where appropriate.
Continue to provide suitable and consistent forage as part of their diet.
Keep an eye out for changes in movement, foot sensitivity, digital pulses or digestive health.
Laminitis isnโt just a springtime problem. Changes in grass growth can create risks at other times of the year too.
If your horse has a history of laminitis, metabolic disease, or is particularly sensitive to dietary changes, now may be a good time to review their management.
If you have any concerns, speak to our veterinary team for advice. Early recognition and appropriate management can make a real difference.
