While “Dr Green” can be the best medicine in some cases, for others, it can cause problems.
Grass contains simple sugars (that are produced in daylight hours via photosynthesis) and fructan, (sugar in its storage form). Known as WSC or “water soluble carbohydrates”, high intakes can lead to laminitis, insulin dysregulation, and weight gain. WSC levels can vary depending on temperature, soil fertility and moisture, so it is often hard to determine the best time for turnout.
Also, it may not be the grass itself that is the issue. Sometimes, simply the change of routine (going from being stabled on dry hay or sparse pasture to being turned out on grass) is enough to trigger a bout of colic. Your horse’s digestive system will be unused to the non-structural carbohydrates in grass and this can cause digestive upsets and therefore colic.
Grazing muzzles, strip grazing and timed turnout amongst other options can be used to help control your horse’s intake of grass. However, when managing weight, care must be taken not to restrict fibre intake too much as gastric ulcers may result. If you’d like advice regarding spring grass, associated issues and how best to manage your horse’s weight or diet, do speak to us!
