02/10/2023
The dangers of paddock grass to our equine friends is not a new subject we are constantly talking about it all over the world due to it’s often catastrophic impact on our domesticated horses .
We talk about the spring and early summer burst of fresh lush grass .
We talk about the autumn flush of lush grass .
We even talk about winter frosts and sunny days with its impact on the grass .
So now it’s a year round problem for so many horses including most of mine .
How can we safely allow our horses to graze in the paddock without the worry of laminitis.
NOT EASY THAT FOR SURE. 😣and trust me I dont always get it right either.
We know that Grass that is shorter than six inches is very problematic and the shorter it is the more dangerous it becomes.
That said even if still fresh and green looking even at six inches and above can be a disaster for many .
Very Short eaten down to stubs grass is FULL of sugars as this is often called stressed grass which they love as it’s so sweet but this is extremely dangerous.
Sunlight , dew and dampness especially at spring and autumn causes this to absorb and replenish its reserves so at the end of a lovely sunny day it’s literally full of sugar and uses this over night to grow .
Early morning grazing is generally safer on this grass but certainly not full safe proof .
Adding to issues as temperatures drops over night to almost freezing or even a few degrees above this allow the grass to hold on to the sugar and not use it so early morning grazing is just as dangerous.
Mind blowing and very difficult to manage a sensitive horse , and even non sensitive types can very suddenly be affected by these spikes in grasses .
So can we help to create safer grazing by allowing the paddocks to grow to maturity before allowing any grazing , and keep moving the area so not allow short stressed grass to become a problem .
Putting in track systems are certainly the way forward and feeding ad lib hays , but again not everyone can afford to keep feeding ad lib hays or indeed it’s been difficult for many finding the right hay for horses all year round .
A combination of both track systems and correct management for the paddocks grasses and plant appropriate species may be a safer option for many .
This management should ensure lower sugars and better diversity fibre management intake plus more chewing time which is more species appropriate on their digestive system.
Any thoughts and are owners out there adapting to this practice.
Photo of one of my mature winter grass fields on the right that’s been left all summer to grow to full maturity ( verses a young lush area of growing unsafe autumn grass . 👇
