21/07/2025
Our ponies are currently having some well deserved time off over the holidays.
We have them in at the moment to prevent them getting a condition called Laminitis.
They still get to play out with their friends, but we need to limit the grass intake.
We provide them with soaked hay 24/7, which is lower in sugar. With being grazing animals and trickle feeders, (eating on the move) the stomach is constantly digesting and needs fibre available constantly, otherwise it will start to digest itself, and acid & bile build up will eventually cause ulcers in the tummy, which will be painful and cause distress and behavioural issues.
Laminitis is the equivalent to human type 2 diabetes.
It is caused by not being able to regulate and process sugars and saturated fats.
Grass becomes higher in sugar when it is growing rapidly, especially when we get sunny spells after allot of rainfall, or when it's been frosty and stored, then suddenly warmed up by the sun and released.
Laminitis is a life long condition which takes constant management to keep it under control and prevent flare ups.
Laminitis is a very serious condition which can be very painful for the horse/pony. It can also be life threatening in some cases.
Some people think they are being kind by giving apples carrots etc to horses they see in a nearby field. These all have sugar content and can end up making the horse/pony very sick or even die.
THIS IS WHY WE DON'T FEED HORSES ANYTHING WITHOUT OWNERS PERMISSION.
It's nice to look at horses in fields as you pass by, but you must never feed them anything, or go onto the land without permission.
We get people walking dogs through the fields here, not realising they are infact trespassing on private land.
They dont realise they are putting themselves and their dogs at risk either.
Did you know if you have dogs in a field on private land where livestock are, the farmer can legally shoot the dog? (Noone wants to do this but sometimes it's necessary to protect their livelihood)
The grass in fields where animals graze and crops are growing is used as animal feed or goes into our own food chain. So please be respectful and only walk on public right of ways or land you have permissionto be on.
When dogs poo in fields or poo bags are thrown over hedges it can cause chocking or cause animals to abort their babies and make them sick. It can also in many cases cause death.
Please just be mindful of the above advice whilst enjoying your summer holidays. 😊
