3 spring challenges for your horse

March 16, 2026

3 min

Horses in Spring

Horses need time to adjust to fresh grass in spring, as their digestive system needs to switch over again. A gradual transition supports a healthy gut flora.
During shedding, a horse can use extra support for skin, coat, and immunity. Nutrients like linseed oil and vitamin E contribute to a smooth shedding process and a strong skin barrier.
Older horses benefit from targeted support for vitality and seasonal adjustments, ensuring their well-being remains stable when routines change.
A zinc deficiency can lead to flaky skin, slow wound healing, and reduced immunity. Supplementation through feed helps support skin and immune function.
More turnout and outdoor work change the way muscles and behavior are challenged. Muscle-supporting and calming supplements can help make the transition into the outdoor season more comfortable.

Spring brings sunshine, fresh energy and… a few changes your horse really needs time to adjust to. Keep these three points in mind as you start enjoying the warmer weather together:

Transition from hay to fresh grass

Spring grass is delicious, but your horse's guts need to readjust. A too-rapid transition can cause colic or other digestive problems. Gradual build-up remains the safest choice!

Is your horse dealing with watery manure or diarrhea? To support the transition to fresh grass you can give Navalis’ Coloncare Horse. This probiotic supports the health of the gut flora, stimulates the entire digestive metabolism and reduces watery stools and diarrhea.

Shedding & recovery after winter

Your horse’s coat is flying in every direction, and they may experience some extra itchiness or sensitive skin. A good grooming session and linseed oil help support the skin and make shedding season go more smoothly.

Vitalbix's Linseed Oil + Vitamin E is a healthy source of energy for horses that could use a little extra support, such as during shedding, in cases of sweet itch, when their immune system is weakened, or for older horses.

“Caring for an older horse? Targeted support, such as Navalis' Corticosal Horse can help keep their coat, vitality, and overall well‑being nicely balanced throughout the season.

Extra itchiness or flaky skin: does your horse have a zinc deficiency?

Zinc is an essential trace element for horses. Their bodies cannot produce it on their own, so it must be entirely obtained through their diet. Zinc plays an important role in immune function, skin and coat quality, hoof health, and even the mucous membranes of the digestive and respiratory tracts.

When a horse doesn’t get enough zinc, it can show up in several ways. Common signs of a possible zinc deficiency include:

Flaky or dry skin
Eczema or other skin irritations
Poor or slow wound healing
Increased susceptibility to infections

A supplement like Navalis' Orthosal Zink Horse can help to replenish your horse's zinc supply and thus support your horse's skin, immunity, and overall health.

Change in movement & routine for your horse

With more turnout, outdoor rides, and that fresh spring excitement, your horse’s muscles suddenly follow a very different routine. A supplement that supports supple muscles and has a calming effect can make this transition much more comfortable.

Global Medics' Muscle Relax supports smooth muscle function and provides a calming effect that’s especially helpful during the shift into the outdoor season.