08/05/2026
Itโs growing!!
โ ๐ฑ๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ ๐ด๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐๐ต ๐บ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ต! ๐ฑโ
After a brief reduction in the grass growth rate at the end of April, the recent showers have kicked growth back into business and, with that, we are met with an ๐ถ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐น๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ธ.โ๐ด
I spoke a few weeks ago about nearing ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ ๐ด๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐๐ต ๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ธ, which has historically been this week or next. In 2023, the end of May saw the growth rate reach 101 DM/ha, despite starting the month at 60 DM/ha (we are currently at 68 DM/ha). This saw the growth rate jump ๐ฒ๐ด% in just a few weeks, and it could happen again! ๐
So far, the average growth rate is around 9% lower than this time last year ๐ฏ๐๐ it is predicted that the upcoming forecast will bring more growth (last year, growth rapidly declined). Given historic growth patterns, ๐๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ป'๐ ๐ด๐ฒ๐ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฝ๐น๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ป๐. โ
The North East is second only to the North West in terms of growth rate, with most regions measuring 60 DM/ha or above. ๐ฎ
So what options do we have to combat this bumper month?
๐ Utilise a grass free area
๐ฑ Invest in a grazing muzzle
๐ค Decrease the area of grazing
๐Increase in movement
Or a combination of all four!
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ: the set up you keep your horse in is the dictating factor, and we all need to employ a solution which complements our set up, with welfare as a priority. For example, some may only have an isolated stable to provide grass free relief, whilst others may have a sociable hardstanding or surfaced area. In the first instance, your horse may be better suited to a paddock where they can see their herd mates but still receive a restricted intake. Weigh up the options! โ
As ever, we must look out for any of the following:
๐ฆถFootsoreness
๐ฅHeat (in any amount of feet)
๐ซ Flexibility/softness in soles of the foot
๐Swelling above the eyes
โ๏ธShifting of weight from one foot to another
๐ด Lethargy
๐ฉบPulses
๐ฑFirmness in the neck
We don't need every symptoms, in fact I would take one of these to be a sign for action in this changeable time. It is paramount to check the horse in front of you, assess their body condition and weight. Is their weight more or less than this time last year?
Laminitis is the second biggest reason for euthanasia, it's time we took it seriously!
๐๐ผ๐'๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ถ๐ป๐ด?