03/27/2026
Spring is here 🌱 — and while that lush green grass looks beautiful, it can pose a serious risk to our horses.
This week alone, I’ve treated TWO cases of spring grass–induced laminitis, a painful condition that can develop quickly when horses consume high levels of sugars in rapidly growing pasture.
⚠️ Spring grass is rich in non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), which can trigger metabolic issues and lead to laminitis.
One of the most important underlying conditions we look for is Equine Metabolic Syndrome, which makes horses more sensitive to these sugar spikes.
🧪 That’s why testing matters.
At Hartwell Equine, we can run insulin and ACTH testing in-house with same-day, rapid results—helping us diagnose and act quickly.
✅ Prevention tips:
• Limit pasture access during peak growth
• Consider grazing muzzles
• Stay proactive with metabolic testing
If you’re concerned about your horse or want to be proactive this spring, don’t hesitate to reach out. Early detection and management can make all the difference.
