Safe Spring Grazing: Step by Step

After winter everyone looks forward to the fresh green – but this is exactly where one of the most common laminitis traps lurks. Young spring grass is high in protein and fructan, and the horse's gut first has to readjust. Slow, controlled grazing is therefore essential.

Why introduce grazing slowly?

Over winter your horse's gut flora is adapted to hay. If it switches abruptly to sugar-rich grass, digestion can tip over – with colic or laminitis as a result. A gentle transition over two to three weeks gives the gut time.

When to start – and when better not to?

• Do not start grazing after cold, clear nights or night frost – fructan content is then particularly high in the morning.
• Better to begin on mild, cloudy days when the grass is growing well.
• The fructan traffic light helps you choose a favourable (green) day to start.

Step-by-step plan

A proven scheme (adapt it to your horse):

• Days 1–3: about 15 minutes of pasture; feed hay beforehand so the horse does not rush into the grass hungry.
• After that increase by roughly 10–15 minutes each day.
• After about 2–3 weeks longer or even full-day grazing is usually possible – depending on the horse and its risk profile.
• For laminitis-prone horses or those with EMS or Cushing's, be much more cautious and work with your vet.

The right time of day

After a mild night the fructan content is lowest in the early morning – often the safest grazing time. After a cold, clear night the opposite applies: better to wait until later in the morning or skip grazing entirely.

Extra safety

• A grazing muzzle significantly reduces the amount eaten.
• Portioned or strip grazing instead of free access to the whole field.
• Watch weight and hooves; react immediately to a pottery gait or digital pulse – see Laminitis: Causes and Symptoms.

Important: This article does not replace veterinary advice. If your horse has pre-existing conditions, always coordinate grazing with your vet.