Laminitis and Spring Grass

As winter fades and the first flush of green returns to the fields, many horse owners feel a sense of relief. Longer days, drier ground, and fresh pasture seem like a welcome change. But spring also brings one of the most significant seasonal risks to equine health: laminitis.

Understanding the connection between laminitis and spring grass is essential for protecting your horse during this high-risk time.

What Is Laminitis?

Laminitis is a painful and potentially devastating condition affecting the sensitive laminae inside the hoof. These structures connect the hoof wall to the pedal bone, and when they become inflamed, this bond weakens. In severe cases, this can lead to rotation or sinking of the bone within the hoof.

Laminitis is not just a hoof problem—it is often the result of underlying metabolic or dietary triggers.

Why Spring Grass Is a Risk

Spring grass looks lush and nutritious, but it contains high levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), particularly sugars and fructans. These levels can spike under certain conditions:

Short, stressed grass (often found on over-grazed paddocks

When horses consume large amounts of sugar, it can disrupt the gut microbiome. This may lead to the release of toxins and inflammatory responses that trigger laminitis.

Horses Most at Risk

While any horse can develop laminitis, some are more vulnerable:

• Native breeds and “good doers”
• Overweight horses
• Horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) (link to EMS advice page)
• Horses with PPID (Cushing’s disease) (link to PPID advice page)
• Those with a previous history of laminitis

These horses often have issues with insulin regulation, making them less able to cope with sugar-rich grass.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Early detection is critical. Keep an eye out for:

• Reluctance to move or a shortened stride
• Heat in the hooves
• A strong digital pulse
• Shifting weight from foot to foot
• Lying down more than usual

If you notice any of these signs, act immediately and contact your vet.

Managing Grazing in Spring

Prevention is far easier than cure. Here are practical steps to reduce the risk:

1. Limit grazing time
   Introduce grass gradually. Start with short periods (15 to 30 minutes) and increase slowly.
2. Use a grazing muzzle
   This allows your horse to enjoy turnout while limiting intake.
3. Turnout timing
   Sugar levels in grass are typically lower in the early morning (before sunrise to mid-morning). Avoid grazing in the late afternoon and early evening, when sugar levels peak.
4. Create a track system or use sparse paddocks
   Restrict access to lush pasture and encourage movement.
5. Provide low-sugar forage
   Feed soaked hay to reduce sugar content and support gut health.
6. Maintain a healthy weight
   Regular exercise and careful feeding are key.

The Role of Weather

Spring weather can create “perfect storm” conditions for laminitis. A few consecutive sunny days combined with cold nights can dramatically increase sugar levels in grass. Monitoring weather patterns can help you anticipate higher-risk days.

Final Thoughts

Spring should be a time to enjoy your horse, not worry about laminitis—but awareness and management are essential. By understanding how spring grass affects your horse’s metabolism and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk.

Laminitis can develop quickly, but with careful grazing management, close observation, and early intervention, it is often preventable.

When in doubt, always err on the side of caution—because when it comes to laminitis, prevention truly is better than cure.

For more information on laminitis and managing good doers, check out our related pages: 

https://www.purefeed.com/guides/laminitis-in-horses-essential-guide/

https://www.purefeed.com/2023/08/09/laminitis/

https://www.purefeed.com/2022/02/28/why-and-how-to-body-condition-score-your-horse/