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Grazing in spring: how to prevent stomach aches in your horse

Fiebe De Win

4 min

Grazen in de lente: zo voorkom je buikpijn bij je paard

The sun shines , the grass beckons and your horse is already greedy to the pasture at to look . 

The transition from hay Unpleasant juicy spring green grass is An big step for the sensitive horse stomach . If this at fast if you go , you risk colic , diarrhea or laminitis . To a good start on the meadow at insurance , do you have a smart plan of action and An bit patience necessary ! 

Why horse intestines the time necessary to have to about at to change gear 

The whole have winter long horses almost exclusively hay eaten : rich in fiber and poor on sugar . With the arrival of spring grass changes that suddenly . This young grass contains a lot of water , easy digestible carbohydrates and ( depending on the weather ) often also a lot of fructose . Especially this sugars be able to for problems to assure as the intestinal flora not the time gets to to this at get used to . A at fast transition disturbs It vulnerable balance in the digestive system and can lead to serious metabolic problems . 

The perfect grazing plan 

  • Day 1 to 3: Let your horse maximum 15 minutes grazing per day 

  • Days 4 to 7: Extend the time to 20 to 30 minutes per day  

  • Week 2: construction Calm on Unpleasant maximum 2 hours grazing  

  • Week 3: Going everything Good with your horse ? Then you can expand to 3 to 4 hours per day  

  • Week 4 and further : depending on how your horse responds , can you adjust the grazing time? further extend  

The intestines and liver support : so do you do that  

There are number useful products to support the digestive tract at to help dealing with the change of food :  

  • Gastro-care+ from Global Medics supports An healthy stomach function and has An protective operation .
  • Coloncare from Navalis supports digestion​ and promotes An healthy intestinal flora .
  • Care Poudre by Reverdy is a combination of stomach acid regulators and L-glutamine.  

All products can be found on equicom.shop  

The biggest Pasture mistakes and how to correct them prevent !  

1. Without building up the pasture

Your horse suddenly on juicy spring grass to make without period of getting used to it ? Not a good idea. This can affect the digestive system considerable disrupt . Always start with a quiet construction .  

2. With a empty stomach to the pasture

A hungry horse eat at greedy . Give some hay beforehand so that the first pull is satisfied , this prevents them from immediately stuff with sugary grass.  

3. To sooner or later let night frost graze

In the morning or after cold nights contains extra grass fructan , and that is An risk for laminitis . Better wait until the temperatures stable are .  

4. To few movement

A horse that just eat​ and quiet stands , runs chance of being overweight and metabolic problems . So take care for sufficient movement next to the grazing .  

A smart one grazing approach takes care of for An healthy horse in the pasture  

How much does your horse also wants the fresh grass , a well thought out pasture plan is gold worth . It helps . digestive problems prevent and takes care of for An carefree start to the grazing season .  

Follow An build up schedule , keep your horse keep a close eye on and support the intestines with appropriate supplements . This is how grazing An fun , no risk !  

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