Spring is a beautiful time of year, but for horse owners, it brings a serious health concern: laminitis triggered by rich spring grass. Understanding the relationship between spring grazing and laminitis is essential for keeping your horse safe during this high-risk period. This guide will help you manage turnout safely and recognize the warning signs.
Why Spring Grass Is Dangerous
Spring grass is particularly high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs)—sugars and fructans that horses metabolize into glucose. For horses prone to laminitis, these high sugar levels can trigger a metabolic response that leads to inflammation in the laminae of the hoof, causing severe pain and potentially permanent damage.
Peak risk factors:
- Rapidly growing grass (typically April-June in the UK)
- Sunny days following cold nights (grass stores sugars)
- Stressed grass (drought, frost, or after cutting)
- Morning grazing when sugar levels are highest
- Lush, green pasture with short, sweet grass
Which Horses Are at Risk?
While any horse can develop laminitis, certain horses are at higher risk:
High-Risk Horses
- Horses with previous laminitis episodes
- Overweight horses or those with a cresty neck
- Horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
- Horses with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID/Cushing's)
- Ponies and native breeds (naturally thrifty)
- Horses on box rest or with limited exercise
Lower-Risk Horses
Even horses without obvious risk factors can develop laminitis, so vigilance is important for all horses during spring.
Recognizing Laminitis Symptoms
Early detection is crucial. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of these signs:
Early Warning Signs
- Reluctance to walk or move, especially on hard ground
- Shifting weight from foot to foot when standing
- Increased digital pulse in the feet (strong, bounding pulse)
- Heat in the hooves
- Sensitivity when hoof testers are applied
- Mild lameness or pottery gait
Acute Laminitis Signs
- Severe lameness, often in both front feet
- Classic "laminitis stance" (leaning back, front feet stretched forward)
- Reluctance or refusal to move
- Lying down more than usual
- Increased heart rate and respiration
- Sweating or trembling from pain
Emergency action: If you suspect acute laminitis, call your vet immediately, remove the horse from grass, provide deep bedding, and do not force the horse to walk.
Safe Turnout Strategies
Managing spring turnout carefully can significantly reduce laminitis risk.
1. Restrict Grazing Time
Limit access to grass, especially for high-risk horses:
- Start with 15-30 minutes of grazing and gradually increase
- Use a grazing muzzle to slow intake while allowing movement
- Turn out during lower-sugar times (late afternoon/evening)
- Avoid early morning turnout when sugar levels peak
2. Use a Grazing Muzzle
Grazing muzzles reduce grass intake by 70-80% while allowing horses to move and socialize:
- Ensure proper fit—should not rub or restrict breathing
- Introduce gradually with supervision
- Remove daily to check for rubs and allow full eating/drinking
- Not suitable for all horses (some learn to remove them or become stressed)
3. Create a Sacrifice Area
A grass-free turnout area (track system or bare paddock) allows exercise without grazing risk:
- Provides movement and social interaction
- Eliminates grass intake completely
- Requires good drainage and surface management
- Supplement with appropriate hay
4. Strip Grazing
Use electric fencing to limit access to small sections of pasture:
- Rotate to fresh strips regularly
- Prevents overgrazing and allows grass recovery
- Easier to manage intake than full field access
5. Choose the Right Turnout Time
Sugar levels in grass vary throughout the day:
- Highest risk: Early morning and sunny afternoons
- Lower risk: Late afternoon/evening and overnight (if temperatures stay above 5°C)
- Avoid: Sunny days following cold nights
Pasture Management
How you manage your pasture affects grass sugar content:
Keep Grass Long
- Longer grass (10-15cm) has lower sugar concentration
- Short, stressed grass produces more sugar
- Avoid overgrazing that creates short, sweet grass
Avoid Stressed Grass
- Don't graze immediately after mowing
- Limit grazing during drought stress
- Be cautious after frost (grass stores sugars)
Consider Grass Species
- Some grasses are naturally lower in sugar (timothy, meadow fescue)
- Ryegrass is typically higher in sugar
- Diverse pasture with herbs and wildflowers is beneficial
Diet Management for At-Risk Horses
Forage
- Provide low-sugar hay (test if possible, aim for <10% NSC)
- Soak hay for 30-60 minutes to reduce sugar content
- Feed at least 1.5% of body weight in forage daily
- Use small-holed haynets to slow consumption
Hard Feed
- Avoid high-starch feeds and treats
- Choose low-sugar, low-starch balancers
- Provide a vitamin and mineral supplement if needed
- Avoid molasses, grains, and sweet feeds
Weight Management
- Maintain a healthy body condition score (5-6 out of 9)
- Increase exercise gradually if safe to do so
- Monitor weight regularly with a weigh tape
- Work with your vet on a weight loss plan if needed
Monitoring Your Horse
Regular monitoring helps you catch problems early:
Daily Checks
- Feel for digital pulse in all four feet
- Check for heat in hooves
- Observe movement and willingness to walk
- Monitor body condition and weight
- Watch for behaviour changes
Weekly Checks
- Assess body condition score
- Measure neck circumference (cresty neck indicator)
- Review grazing management effectiveness
Learn how to check vital signs in our guide: Understanding Your Horse's Vital Signs.
Working with Your Vet
For high-risk horses, work closely with your vet:
- Schedule spring health checks
- Test for EMS or PPID if suspected
- Discuss preventive medication if appropriate
- Create an emergency action plan
- Keep your vet's number readily available
Transitioning to Spring Turnout
Don't rush the transition from winter to spring grazing:
- Week 1: 15-30 minutes daily
- Week 2: 30-60 minutes daily
- Week 3: 1-2 hours daily
- Week 4+: Gradually increase based on horse's response
Monitor closely throughout and reduce access if any warning signs appear.
Final Thoughts
Spring grass and laminitis risk don't have to mean your horse is confined to a stable. With careful management, monitoring, and a proactive approach, you can allow your horse safe turnout while minimizing risk. Every horse is different, so tailor your approach to your individual horse's needs and risk level. When in doubt, err on the side of caution—prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to laminitis.
For more seasonal horse care advice, explore our Stable & Sound blog and discover quality horse care supplies.
