The start of the grazing season is already near. While grazing is good for horses (and their owners too), the beginning of the grazing season is also a change for the horse's digestion, metabolism and routine.
Too rapid a transition to pasture can cause problems with the gut. A moderate acclimatisation makes the summer safer and more pleasant.
During winter and spring, the horse's feeding has been based mainly on roughage, whereas the fresh grass of spring contains plenty of energy and sugar.
With these five tips you will help your horse transition to summer safely and comfortably.
1. Start grazing gradually
The most common mistake at the start of the grazing season is too rapid a transition to full-day grazing. Even if the horse appears to be enjoying its new surroundings, its digestion needs time to adapt to the nutrients contained in fresh grass.
A good starting point is to begin grazing in 15-30 minute sessions and gradually increase the time every few days. This way the gut's microbial flora has time to adjust to the change in a controlled manner.
Particular caution is advised with easily overweight horses, ponies, as well as individuals that have previously had metabolism-related problems.
2. Do not take a hungry horse to pasture
Before going to pasture, offer hay or other familiar roughage. This way the digestion is less burdened.
If a horse gets onto fresh pasture while hungry, it quickly eats a large amount of grass.
When the worst hunger is gone, the horse grazes more calmly on the pasture and does not gorge on large amounts of fresh grass at once.
A little anticipation can significantly reduce stomach troubles.
3. Monitor the horse's condition
At the start of the grazing season it is worth observing the horse more closely than usual. Changes in feeding quickly show up either in behaviour, in the droppings or in movement.
Is the horse alert and seemingly normal? Are the hooves exceptionally warm? Is the manure loose? Is the horse moving normally?
The start of the grazing season increases the risk of laminitis. If you notice signs of stiffness, a loose stomach or other abnormalities, the grazing time should be reduced and, if necessary, a veterinarian should be consulted. Reacting quickly is important.
4. Ensure adequate water intake
Fresh grass contains plenty of water, but it alone is not enough to cover the horse's fluid requirement. Especially in warm weather, water consumption can increase rapidly.
Make sure that clean and fresh water is continuously available on the pasture. Drinking vessels should be checked daily, as in the summer heat algae growth and dirt can increase quickly.
Horses that move a lot or compete may also benefit from an electrolyte supplement.
5. Remember the stable and the stall too
Although summer is associated with time spent on the pasture, many horses still spend part of the day in the stable or in the shelter of a loose housing barn.
Some horses spend the night in a stall, some seek shelter indoors or under a canopy to rest during the hottest moments of the day or when insects are bothering them.
It is precisely in summer that the air quality of the stable becomes emphasised. Heat and humidity can increase the formation of odours. In that case, poor ventilation can reduce comfort for both horses and people.
That is why the choice of bedding matters in summer too.
Pasture is not suitable for everyone
It is good to remember that although pasture provides the horse with natural nourishment, it alone is not always enough to cover the horse's nutritional needs. Especially growing foals, pregnant and nursing mares, elderly horses as well as horses that train or compete regularly often need hay, minerals or other supplementary feeding in addition to pasture.
The quality of the pasture also has a big effect. Drought, overgrazing or sparse growth can significantly reduce the nutritional value.
In addition, some ponies and easily overweight breeds may need their grazing restricted. Monitoring the horse's weight, muscle condition and general alertness best indicates whether it is getting enough nourishment from the pasture or whether the feeding needs to be supplemented.
Good bedding supports the horse's wellbeing
The task of good bedding is to bind moisture, reduce the formation of ammonia and provide a pleasant resting place for a horse that is housed in the stable instead of on the pasture.
Biohansa's peat bedding is a natural option when effective absorbency and good ammonia binding are needed. Peat helps keep the stall dry and at the same time supports the stable's air quality.
Many horse owners additionally favour Biohansa's combination bedding. The peat-shavings mix combines the effective moisture binding of peat with the airiness of shavings. The result is a soft and easily maintained stall base that is well suited even for year-round use.
The grazing season is a natural and important part of the year for the horse, but a successful transition requires a little planning.
Equally, good stable hygiene and functional bedding solutions support the horse's wellbeing even if the nights are not spent outdoors but in the stall.
This way both the horse and the owner can enjoy the summer safely.
