Equestrian Maintenance Tips - No. 2 Grazing Moving Horses

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Many of us who have one or two ponies or horses tend to have a limited supply of grazing.

Horses can inflict a tremendous amount of damage to pastures in a very short space of time, mainly if the area is limited around gateways, water and shelters. The ground can be quickly ripped up enough to cause significant long-lasting impact on the new grass growth for the spring and summer months. This year we have already seen excessive amounts of rain, and this combined with very mild temperatures means that new growth of grass is starting earlier - this can have serious implications.

We tend to move our ponies from our increasingly muddy fields to a very generous neighbour or a local livery for up to four months a year. This movement allows the paddocks to rest, recoup and gives the grass the opportunity to reach a sustainable height (and for the spring sugars to have worked their way through).

If you have a greedy pony or horse with a tendency to munch their way through as much grass as possible, this time of moving is one to be approached with caution. After a week on delicious rich new grass, our pony had a case of colic. The change in grazing can cause problems to the digestive system when much higher levels of sugars are introduced from this new pasture, including the dreaded Laminitis, Colic and other digestive conditions.

The key is to introduce these horses to pastures slowly with limited access over a period of days; starting from as little as 15-20 minutes a day increasing this in increments for a few weeks to the point at which they can be turned out. Even in doing this, there can be situations where problems occur, and it is a case of keeping a close eye, watching eating habits and the general behaviour of the animal. Pay particular attention is your horse appears very lethargic and seems disinterested in food - any change should cause concern.

There are numerous supplements and “balancers” available to assist with a change of diet at this time of movement, and again in the Spring. Please always consult your vet to obtain the very best advice on this crucial area.

Craig Fuller
+44 (0)7767 211707 | [email protected]

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