With the weather warming up, but rain also on the horizon, it's the perfect time for grass to grow. Even if your fields aren't looking luscious, the green shoots at the bottom still have a high amount of sugar in them. Reviewing the risk factors now and getting ahead can help to manage the risk of laminitis.
Here's our top tips: ⚠️ Monitor your horse's weight - this can be achieved by using a weighbridge, weigh tape or body fat scoring (find guidance on how to Body Fat Score below!) ⚠️ Restrict grazing & make changes to the diet slowly - consider a strip or track grazing system or the use of a muzzle in the field ⚠️ Soak hay - we recommend soaking for longer periods of time to draw out excess sugar, but be sure to use fresh water each time you soak ⚠️ Increase exercise where possible - ideally cardiovascular exercise (e.g. working for longer periods of time not at maximum speed such as trotting). Download our FREE exercise tracker to help monitor your horse's exercise regime more closely ⚠️ Choose a low calorie diet - we recommend a balancer such as Essential Balancer or Shape-Up™, DO NOT cut out hard feed and always ensure your feed is fully fortified
Spot The Signs: Laminitis
⚠️ Lameness in one or more limbs ⚠️ Reluctance to walk or turn, particularly on hard ground ⚠️ Shifting weight between feet when resting ⚠️ Increased digital pulses ⚠️ Abnormal heat in the hoof
If you suspect your horse may have laminitis, call your vet immediately for advice.
For support with weight management & nutrition advice for laminitis prone horses, please call the Saracen nutrition helpline or complete a Feed Advice Form.
Body Fat Scoring is a quick and convenient way of objectively evaluating your horse's condition. We recommend getting hands on to achieve an accurate assessment and scoring regularly to monitor changes, particularly in the Spring.
If you require further support, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We're here to help your horses and ponies through all of the seasons.
