13/05/2024
The grass is growing finally, hooray! š± The fields are all looking beautifully green due to the warmer temperatures and sunny days weāve finally been having, coupled with the odd rain shower.
This does mean those of us with, shall I say, more round ponies or those with pre-existing medical conditions (EMS/ cushings etc) need to be proactive to ensure our lovely four legged friends donāt come down with a bout of the dreaded big L - laminitis.
Laminitis affects the laminae tissue in the horseās hoof, causing it to stretch, weaken and become damaged which can cause the pedal bone to move and in extreme cases rotate and/or drop through the sole of the hoof - ouch š¤
Grass accumulates sugars and starch as it is exposed to sunlight due to photosynthesis with levels reaching peak in the afternoon, which at this time of year is a concern due to the sudden increase in daylight hours. On warm nights the grass will use those sugars and starches to fuel itās own growth but on cool nights they stay accumulated in the grass.
Itās important to monitor weight closely of your pony, restricting grazing to early morning when the sugars and starches are lowest, or by strip grazing, a track system or a grazing muzzle. Keep up with an adequate exercise regime to ensure calories are burnt.
Straw pellets create a super supportive and comfy bed for when your pony comes into their stable. As well as being super absorbent and locks in the ammonia helping to reduce nasty smells and flies. There are plenty of ways to help keep your pony entertained and trim whilst stabled such as a variety of trickle feeders and slow feeders, mixing good quality barley straw with their hay and various stable toys.