General information only. Every horse is different. For health concerns, always speak with your veterinarian, farrier or equine nutritionist.
01Spring grass & laminitis
Fast-growing spring and autumn pasture can be high in sugars, which is a major trigger for laminitis — painful inflammation inside the hoof. Ponies, easy keepers and horses carrying extra weight are most at risk.
- Sugar levels in grass often run highest after sunny days, and when cold nights follow bright days.
- Introduce any change in pasture gradually.
- For at-risk horses, discuss restricted grazing, a grazing muzzle or a lower-risk paddock with your vet.
Signs of laminitisReluctance to walk, especially on hard ground; shifting weight; a rocked-back stance; heat in the hooves; a strong digital pulse. Call your vet straight away.
02Plants to watch for
| Plant | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Paterson's curse | Purple, funnel-shaped flowers from about July to January. Horses are particularly susceptible; it causes cumulative, potentially fatal liver damage. Young rosettes carry roughly twice the toxin of flowering plants. |
| Ragwort | Yellow daisy-like flowers. Also causes cumulative liver damage, and is more dangerous dried in hay. |
| Bracken fern | Can cause a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency with prolonged grazing. |
| St John's wort | Can cause photosensitisation — sunburn-like skin damage on pale areas. |
| Garden plants | Oleander and many ornamentals are highly toxic. Never feed garden or lawn clippings. |
Many toxic plants are left alone while good feed is available, but horses may eat them when pasture is short. If you spot something unusual in your paddock, let us know.
03Safe grazing habits
- Walk the paddock when you visit: look for weeds, fallen branches, rubbish and damaged fencing.
- Report any fence, trough or gate issues straight away.
- Don't feed treats or clippings to other owners' horses.
- Keep an eye on body condition as pasture changes through the seasons.