How to get your horse used to grass?

Spring is on its way! As the ground warms up again, the grass starts growing. And when the grass has grown strong enough, your horse can go back to the pasture. Naturally wonderful. But how do you ensure the transition to pasture grazing goes as smoothly as possible so that your horse can get used to the grass?

Grass starts to grow when the soil temperature is between 5°C and 8°C. Grass growth is optimal between a soil temperature of 12°C and 20°C. When the soil temperature exceeds 25°C, the grass temporarily stops growing. So, a soft and moist spring is optimal for grass growth.

Transitioning Diet

If your horse has not been on grass during the winter, the switch to pasture grazing can be quite drastic for the digestive system. Going from a diet of dry hay to juicy and sugary grass is a big change for the bacteria and yeasts that digest all the fibers in the large intestine. These microorganisms need to adapt to the new diet composition. Therefore, always ensure a gradual transition from hay to grass. Otherwise, your horse may get diarrhea or even colic.

Preventing Overweight and Laminitis

When rich, high-sugar grass is available to a horse, overweight and laminitis are risks. Especially for draft breeds such as Gypsy Vanners, Haflingers, and Shetland ponies. But even for warmbloods, ponies, and Friesians, it is important to pay attention to the composition of the pasture. To make the transition to pasture grazing as smooth as possible, you can start with an hour on the grass. For sensitive horses, start with just half an hour on the pasture. Gradually increase grazing time and monitor your horse closely. Loose manure or warm hooves are signs that you are progressing too quickly. Immediately reduce the duration of pasture grazing. To prevent your horse from eating a lot of grass quickly when out in the pasture, offer some dry hay beforehand so he doesn't go onto the pasture on an empty stomach. On days when the grass has high sugar content, you can also leave your horse in the paddock a little longer, with hay. This is especially important on sunny mornings after cold nights. On the internet and in special apps, you can find 'fructan alerts' that can help guide you. In some cases, a grazing muzzle may be useful.

If you want to know if a grazing muzzle is a solution for your horse, read our in-depth interview with Karlijn Weder of Honest Horse.

Horse Pasture vs. Cow Pasture

Many pastures are filled with 'cow grass', also known as ryegrass. This type of grass contains high levels of sugars and proteins because cows need to produce a lot of milk. A cow is a ruminant with four stomachs and has a completely different digestive system than a horse. Horses have only one stomach, and a large part of digestion takes place in the large intestine with the help of microorganisms. Horses are adapted to eating long-stem, rough grasses, herbs, shrubs, and trees. In nature, they need to exert a bit of effort and walk a lot to find their food. A lush pasture with lots of ryegrass is too much for almost all horses. Therefore, when creating a pasture for horses, always choose a variety of grasses and herbs that are suitable for horses. These contain more minerals and less sugars, which align better with the digestive system and needs of horses. In addition, you should fertilize a horse pasture less intensively, and definitely not with artificial fertilizers. This results in overly rich grass, which can cause overweight and laminitis. Summer itch and eczema can also worsen with artificial fertilizers in your pasture. A pasture rich in herbs is best fertilized with pasture minerals from the Bering Sea. These minerals contain all the trace elements that your horse needs in its diet.

Tips for Smooth Transition to Pasture

A smooth transition to fresh grass in the pasture is crucial for keeping your horse healthy. Here are our tips:

• Ensure your pasture contains suitable grass species and herbs
• Do not over-fertilize your pasture, especially not with artificial fertilizers
• Use pasture minerals to keep the pasture healthy
• Always give your horse some hay before letting it graze on grass
• Gradually increase grazing time
• Use a grazing muzzle if needed

Sources:

• Initial curve of grass growth and soil temperature. 2014. WUR. https://edepot.wur.nl/338038
• Herb-rich grasslands better align with horses' natural diet 2023. LTO Noord. https://www.ltonoord.nl/programmas/biodiversiteit/actueel/paardenhouderij-kruidenrijk-gras-sluit-beter-aan-bij-natuurlijke-dieet-paarden