Safely Transitioning Your Horse to Pasture: Step-by-Step

Spring brings lush green pastures, tempting horses and owners alike, but transitioning to grazing requires care to avoid health setbacks. A sudden switch from hay to fresh grass can trigger laminitis, colic, or digestive upset, so a gradual approach is key. Here’s how to safely introduce pasture into your horse’s diet while sidestepping common pitfalls.

Start with a slow transition over 2-4 weeks to let your horse’s hindgut microbes adjust to the high sugar, high moisture content of grass. Begin with 15-20 minutes of grazing daily, ideally in the morning when fructan levels (sugars linked to laminitis) are lowest. Gradually increase grazing time by 10-15 minutes every few days, monitoring for signs of discomfort like loose manure or hoof sensitivity. Feeding hay or cubes before turnout can slow grass intake, reducing the risk of gorging. For horses prone to laminitis-such as those with equine metabolic syndrome or excess weight- consider using a grazing muzzle or strip grazing to limit consumption. A dry lot can also help control access during the initial weeks.

Incorporating pasture into the diet means rethinking your feeding plan. Fresh grass is nutrient dense, often providing enough calories to reduce or eliminate grain for easy keepers. However, pasture quality varies, so testing for protein, sugars, and minerals can guide supplementation. Most horses need a vitamin mineral balancer pellet or mineral lick to cover gaps, like magnesium or zinc, especially if grazing on young, lush grass. Maintain 1.5-2% of body weight in daily forage, combining pasture with hay if grazing is limited. Free choice salt remains essential, as pasture lacks sodium. For performance horses, low starch feeds can compliment grazing without overloading the gut.

Be cautious of several risks during the transition. Laminitis is a top concern, particularly in spring when grasses grow rapidly after rain or warm days. Overweight ponies, older horses, or those with insulin resistance are most vulnerable, so monitor body condition closely. Check pastures for toxic plants like buttercup and ensure fencing is secure to avoid injuries on uneven or muddy ground. Overgrazing can increase parasite exposure, so rotate pastures and conduct fecal egg counts to manage worm loads. Finally, watch for sand colic in sandy soils and maintain clean water sources to support digestion.

To make the transition smooth, turn out after a hay meal, use early morning grazing windows, and keep hay available during sparse pasture periods. Regular vet checkups and manure monitoring will catch issues early. By easing your horse onto pasture with a balanced diet and proactive management, you’ll set them up for a healthy, happy grazing season.