Every year it happens. The weather softens, the grass begins to grow, and suddenly horse owners everywhere start worrying about laminitis.

Spring grass can feel like a ticking time bomb, particularly if your horse is a good doer, older, or prone to metabolic issues. But the truth is that spring turnout doesn’t need to be stressful or restrictive if you approach it with a calm, proactive plan.

March is the perfect time to get ahead of the seasonal changes before grass growth accelerates and weight gain creeps up.

Here’s how to manage turnout, monitor your horse effectively, and make sensible feeding adjustments without panic.

Why Spring Grass Catches People Out

Spring grass is very different from the fibrous pasture horses have been grazing through winter.

As daylight hours increase, grass produces higher levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), including sugars and fructans. These levels can fluctuate dramatically depending on sunlight, temperature and grazing pressure.

Cool nights followed by bright sunny days are particularly important. When grass photosynthesises in the day but doesn’t grow overnight due to colder temperatures, sugars accumulate in the plant.

For horses that are sensitive to sugar intake, this can increase the risk of metabolic disruption and laminitis.

At the same time, horses coming out of winter often have:

• reduced workload

• improved appetite

• a metabolism primed to store energy

Combine that with lush new grass and weight gain can happen quickly.

Laminitis Risk Factors to Consider

Not every horse is equally at risk, but it’s worth being aware of the common factors.

Your horse may need closer management if they are:

• A good doer or native breed

• Overweight or prone to weight gain

• Diagnosed with EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome)

• Living with PPID (Cushing’s disease)

• Previously laminitic

• Older and less active

This doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy turnout. It simply means their grazing strategy needs a little more thought.

Turnout Strategies That Work

Rather than removing turnout completely, many owners find success with controlled grazing methods.

Track Systems

Creating a track around the perimeter of a field encourages movement while limiting access to the richest central grass.

This works particularly well for horses that gain weight easily but benefit from staying active.

Strip Grazing

Moving electric fencing gradually across a paddock restricts daily grass intake while still allowing access to fresh forage.

Grazing Muzzles

For horses that need to stay with companions on full pasture, a grazing muzzle can significantly reduce grass intake while maintaining turnout time.

None of these methods are perfect for every horse, but they can be very effective when combined with regular monitoring.

What to Monitor Weekly

Spring management works best when you monitor small changes before they become big problems.

Each week it’s worth checking:

Body condition score
Even subtle changes in fat coverage can signal increased calorie intake.

Crest thickness
A firm or enlarged crest can indicate metabolic stress.

Digital pulses
A stronger than normal pulse in the fetlock area can be an early warning sign.

Hoof temperature
Consistently warm hooves alongside other symptoms can warrant closer observation.

Weight trends
A weigh tape used weekly gives a good indication of creeping weight gain.

Small adjustments early in the season are far easier than trying to reverse weight gain later.

Feeding Adjustments for Spring

If grass intake increases, it’s often worth reviewing the rest of your horse’s diet.

Many horses benefit from feeds that are low in sugar and starch, while still supporting healthy digestion, skin condition and overall metabolic balance.

Radiance Gold DermaSecret is formulated with this in mind, providing nutritional support without unnecessary sugar or starch levels that can contribute to metabolic stress.

For horses living with or at risk of PPID, nutritional support that helps maintain hormonal balance can also be helpful alongside veterinary management. Radiance Gold Cush Off is designed specifically with this group of horses in mind.

These types of feeds can support horses whose metabolism needs a little extra care during seasonal transitions.

A Calm Approach to Spring Grazing

The key thing to remember is that spring grass isn’t something to fear. It simply requires awareness and a thoughtful approach.

With a sensible turnout strategy, regular monitoring and balanced feeding choices, most horses can enjoy spring grazing safely.

Planning ahead in March allows you to stay ahead of the rapid pasture growth that typically arrives in April and May.

A few small adjustments now can make the whole season much easier to manage.

Get Ahead of Spring Risk

If your horse is prone to weight gain or sensitive to dietary sugars, supporting their nutrition early in the season can make a real difference.

Explore Radiance Gold DermaSecret, formulated to support horses with low sugar and starch feeding needs.

Or learn more about Cush Off, designed to support horses managing PPID.

Get ahead of spring grazing risk and support your horse through the seasonal transition.

Shop DermaSecret today.