Spring Grass Risks: Managing Laminitis
Practical tools and smart routines to protect your horse this season
As the weather warms and fields green up, many horse owners breathe a sigh of relief — the mud dries out, turnout gets easier, and there’s finally grass to enjoy. But for many owners, spring also brings its challenges — particularly the increased risk of laminitis.
This painful condition, caused by inflammation of the laminae in the hoof, can be triggered by a number of factors — but one of the most common is the flush of sugary spring grass. For native breeds like Welsh Cobs, Highlands, Dales, and Shetlands, who are metabolically designed to thrive on minimal forage, this sudden abundance can easily tip the balance.
Thankfully, with the right management — and the right tools — laminitis can often be prevented rather than treated. Here’s how to stay one step ahead this spring.
What Makes Spring Grass Risky?
Spring grass is naturally high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), especially fructans and simple sugars. During warm days and cool nights (typical in the UK spring), grass stores extra sugar to fuel its growth — which can spell trouble for horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), PPID (Cushing’s), or a history of laminitis.
Native and cob-type breeds are especially prone because they metabolise sugars more slowly and are often “good doers,” prone to gaining weight even on restricted rations.
Supplements That Support Metabolism
For horses with metabolic issues or those more prone to laminitis, adding a laminitis support supplement to their routine can offer valuable support. These products are designed to help maintain healthy metabolism, promote circulation to the hooves, and encourage overall balance — especially during periods when grass growth and sugar levels are unpredictable.
Supplements like these won’t replace good management, but they can help support a more stable metabolic system and healthier hooves — especially when used alongside diet control and turnout restrictions. Many are designed to be fed daily and can be added to a simple low-sugar chaff or balancer.
Grazing Muzzles: Control Without Confinement
One of the most effective tools for balancing turnout and intake is a grazing muzzle. These allow your horse or pony to be outside, move around, and socialise — but drastically limit how much grass they can consume.
Modern grazing muzzles are designed with comfort and practicality in mind — they’re lightweight, breathable, and shaped to reduce rubbing. Many come with padded linings, adjustable straps, and some even feature breakaway points for added safety in the field. For the best fit, pair your muzzle with a secure, well-fitting headcollar, and check daily for signs of wear or rubbing.
Used correctly, a muzzle can reduce grass intake by up to 80%, making it a vital part of any laminitis prevention plan.
Strip Grazing & Field Setups That Help
If a grazing muzzle isn’t right for your horse, or you’re managing multiple ponies, strip grazing is another excellent method for limiting grass intake. Using electric fencing posts and tape, you can divide your field into smaller sections and move the fence line gradually — controlling how much grass is available without total restriction.
This method also encourages movement and mimics natural foraging behaviour. Combined with track systems or rotation paddocks, it helps reduce stress and keeps horses mentally engaged during restricted grazing periods.
Keep Them Moving: Exercise Is Everything
Alongside managing diet, regular exercise is one of the most powerful tools in preventing laminitis — especially in overweight or insulin-resistant horses. Movement helps regulate blood sugar, maintain a healthy weight, and improve circulation to the hooves.
Whether it’s daily hacking, groundwork, lunging, or in-hand walks, aim to incorporate activity into your horse’s routine wherever possible. For horses on limited turnout, introducing a structured exercise plan can be a game-changer.
Having the right equipment — such as lunge lines, in-hand bridles, and saddle pads — makes it easier to stick to an exercise routine that’s safe and enjoyable for both horse and rider.
Browse Online for Equine’s training and exercise accessories for helpful additions to your routine, from everyday tools to fitness-focused extras.
Don’t Forget the Basics: Weight & Hoof Care
Laminitis prevention is a full-circle job — and weight management plays a huge part. Use a weight tape regularly to track changes and work with your vet to assess body condition score (BCS), especially as the grass starts to come through.
And of course, don’t overlook the importance of regular farrier care. Hooves should be checked and trimmed frequently, and any concerns — like mild footiness, reluctance to turn, or short striding — should be taken seriously.
