Introducing Your Horse to Grass: 2025 Vet Routine by Dr Duncan Houston 🐎🌿

Welcome! I’m Dr Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of AskAVet.com. Spring is a beautiful time, but new grass can pose hidden risks to equine digestion and metabolism. In this 2025 vet guide, we'll walk through a safe, step-by-step transition to grazing—covering hand-grazing, turnout plans, pasture readiness, health monitoring, and long-term pasture management. Let’s support your horse’s well-being! 🩺✨

🌿 Why a Careful Transition Matters

Spring grass is lush and tasty but also high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) like fructans and sugars. Sudden intake can lead to colic, laminitis, or hindgut upset. Studies show microbial shifts in the gut within 4 days of pasture access, with risks increasing dramatically if changes are rushed :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

🚦 When to Start Grazing: Pasture Readiness

• Wait until grass is at least 6 inches (15 cm)—this ensures root and plant maturity :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Soil should be firm to minimize hoof damage.
• Ensure vaccinations/deworming are current—preparing for herd turnout :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

🧍‍♀️ Step-by-Step Introduction Plan

Begin with hand‑grazing in a drylot or controlled paddock:

1. Days 1–3: 15–20 minutes of hand grazing each session :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
2. Then increase by 15–30 minutes every 3–4 days, depending on the horse's response :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
3. By 3–4 hours per day, maintain that for 1–2 weeks before full turnout :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
4. Turnout just after hay/grain: reduces hunger-driven overeating :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

🐎 Grazing Plans and Pasture Management

• Rotational grazing: Divide pasture into smaller paddocks, resting areas in rotation to prevent overgrazing :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Stock at ~2 acres per 1,000 lb horse to ensure forage supply :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Measure forage height regularly—maintain 6–8 inches to support regrowth :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Use grazing muzzles on metabolic risk horses during early spring overflow.

⚠️ Monitor Health Closely

• Watch for grass founder/laminitis signs—reluctance to walk, hoof heat.
• Check manure regularly—diarrhea can signal microbial imbalance.
• Track hydration and weight—grass is high moisture, might reduce intake/water.
• Observe herd interactions—ensure shy or subordinate horses are eating well :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

🥕 Feeding During Transition

• Continue hay or forage feeding daily in addition to pasture intake :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Don’t change grain or supplements during this time.
• Provide salt and electrolytes as needed—especially if grazing causes looser stools.

🛠️ Common Challenges & Solutions

🌾 Long-Term Pasture Best Practices

• Implement ongoing rotational grazing year-round.
• Fertilize and test soil for pH and nutrients.
• Reseed bare spots with horse-safe grasses.
• Keep fencing, water, shelters, and shade maintained.
• Collect/managing manure to reduce parasite exposure and improve forage quality :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

✅ Quick Recap – 2025 Vet Essentials

1. Wait for grass to reach 6″—pasture is ready.
2. Start hand-grazing 15–20 min for 3–5 days.
3. Gradually increase turnout every few days.
4. Maintain hay & regular feed during transition.
5. Use grazing muzzles/measures for metabolic horses.
6. Monitor weight, behavior, manure, hydration daily.
7. Adopt rotational grazing & pasture rest long-term.
8. Use AskAVet.com for support, grazing schedules, and monitoring tips!

📲 Access Expert Support Anytime!

Need help implementing or troubleshooting your grazing plan? Download the AskAVet.com app to connect with a vet live, track grazing schedules, and get personalized advice on pasture, nutrition, and horse health. We’re here to support you every step of the season! 🐾🌱