04/06/2026
Quick Tip: Spring Pasture Starter Plan
When pastures start greening up, it is easy to think your horse is ready to head back out full-time. But rich spring grass can be a major dietary change, and too much too soon can lead to serious problems. A sudden return to lush pasture may increase the risk of: ��
▪ Laminitis
▪ Equine Metabolic Syndrome complications
▪ Colic
▪ Diarrhea
▪ Other digestive upset
The safest approach is to ease into spring grazing slowly.
A simple starter schedule looks like this:
▪ Days 1-3: 15 to 20 minutes of grazing per day
▪ Day 4-7: 30 to 45 minutes per day
▪ Week 2+: Increase grazing time by 15 min a day until you reach your goal time.
How much pasture a horse can safely have depends on the individual horse, their metabolism, body condition, and history.
MUZZLES: Some horses need a little extra help managing spring grass. A grazing muzzle can be a smart tool for easy keepers or horses with metabolic concerns because it helps slow intake while still allowing turnout and movement. A track system can also be helpful, especially for horses that need more exercise and less unrestricted grazing.
DRY LOTS: Dry lots are another important option, especially in the spring. They allow horses to have turnout, movement, and time outside without the health risks that come with a rich pasture. For horses with a history of laminitis, EMS, insulin resistance, or weight gain issues, a dry lot can be one of the safest ways to provide daily turnout while keeping grass intake under control.��
Other Spring Turn Out Basics
A few smart spring turnout basics to transition back to lush pastures:
▪ Feed hay before turnout so your horse is not overly hungry.
▪ Avoid suddenly increasing grazing time.
▪ Watch manure consistency closely.
▪ Consider using a grazing muzzle.
▪ Monitor for soreness, heat in the feet, or tenderness.
▪ Be extra cautious with ponies, easy keepers, and horses with a laminitis history.
Spring grass may look harmless, but it is rich and can lead to laminitis, equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) issues, colic, and digestive upsets such as diarrhea in horses.A slow introduction, along with tools like grazing muzzles and dry lots, can go a long way in helping horses enjoy the season safely.
