Grazing - Step by Step into Green Happiness

The coat has changed, the winter fat is slowly being worked off and now the most beautiful step for the horses and their owners on the way to summer is here: Field time! We have summarised for you what you should pay attention to when getting back to grazing.

The thought is already tempting - gates open, halter off and freedom on the green meadow for the next few months. But stop! If you leave your horse to their own devices on the pasture, you risk a lot. Even four-legged friends who have a lot of exercise, for example in the sand school, should slowly get used to the changeover.

The horse's stomach, like the entire digestive system, is not geared towards sudden changes in feed and must therefore be gradually introduced to lush grass. Otherwise, diarrhoea and colic are the consequences. An approx. two to three week changeover period is ideal for healthy horses, which begins with grazing "by the hand" and during which the time that fresh pasture grass can be eaten increases continuously. Alternatively you can do it the other way around, the pasture grass can also be fed in the box, paddock or run at the beginning - this saves time, especially when caring for several horses. Subsequently or alternatively, individual areas of the intended pasture can also be separated off so that eating time is limited. Care must be taken to ensure that the size of the demarcated pasture area matches the size and dynamics of the herd - disputes over a small area pose a high risk of injury!

On the other hand, sensitive horses or horses that are pre-stressed due to illness should be given a significantly longer changeover time frame - this can be vital! A spontaneous excess of carbohydrates and fructans, which are particularly found in young pasture grass, cannot be processed by the digestive system and lead to the release of toxins in the body; with the known consequences for dermis inflammation and illness relapses.

The parallel administration of roughage on the pasture has also proven to be sensible as this can, at least at the beginning of the process, reduce the change. Depending on the condition of the feed and physical work, additional feeding with concentrated feed and additives must be adjusted accordingly. The advice of a professional feed advisor is recommended because, depending on the nature of the pasture, nutrient deficiencies can quickly develop despite the oversupply of greenery!

Of course, CharLine feed charcoal helps in preparation for the grazing season and when grazing by binding toxins in the horse's intestines. A temporary addition has proven itself here. And best of all, The CharLine team also has an expert for feed advice - Anna Maria Rumer can look back on 15 years of experience in this area and is available for all questions about the perfect feeding of your horses!

Text by Anne Lorf