10/04/2026
With warmer weather and fresh green grass appearing, be mindful of turning your horses out on the fresh spring grass. This time of year the grasses have a high sugar content and can cause problems such as founder for your horses, especially those with cushings disease. It's great to get them out for some fresh air, sunshine and green grass but the grass should be in moderation. I generally give normal healthy horses 15 minutes of grazing time for several days and then increase the amount of time by about 10 minutes a day. Those with metabolic issues such as cushings should not be allowed to graze for more than a few minutes each day. Their forage diet should consist mostly of hay that has been tested and is safe for their condition and sometimes this hay needs to be soaked before feeding to reduce sugar content. It is recommended that you have your Veterinarian test your horses levels and advise you for their best feed plan. Each horse is different and should be managed as an individual.
