Would I rather have too much grass or too little grass?

🌱 Too Much Grass or Too Little: Finding the Balance for Horse Health

Whilst driving around at the moment, I am seeing fields with no grass and fields with lots of grass, we are fortunate that we have lots of grass on our field, but then I wondered if we are lucky. Does too much grass cause horse owners more worry and work than not enough? Lets take a look at the problems caused by both scenarios.

🌿 The Risks of Too Much Grass

Lush, rich pasture might look ideal, but it can actually be harmful—especially in spring and early summer.

Common Problems:

• Laminitis (founder): Too much sugar (fructans) and toxins in the grass can cause the ponies' laminae to swell.

• Obesity: Overgrazing leads to weight gain, putting strain on joints and organs.

• Metabolic issues: Horses prone to insulin resistance or Equine Metabolic Syndrome are especially at risk.

High-Risk Situations:

• Rapidly growing spring grass

• Sunny days followed by cold nights

• Horses turned out after being restricted

🌾 The Risks of Too Little Grass

On the flip side, insufficient grazing or poor-quality pasture can also create problems.

Common Problems:

• Weight loss: Horses may not get enough calories or nutrients.

• Digestive issues: A lack of fibre can disrupt gut health. Causes gastric Ulcers and impaction colic.

• Boredom and stress: Horses are natural grazers; limited forage can lead to behaviours like cribbing or chewing fences.

Signs Your Horse Isn’t Getting Enough:

• Rib visibility or poor condition

• Lethargy or dull coat

• Increased searching or aggressive grazing behaviour

⚖️ Finding the Right Balance

A balanced grazing routine helps prevent both extremes.

Tips:

• Rotate pastures to avoid overgrowth and depletion

• Use grazing muzzles for horses prone to overeating

• Provide hay when grass is scarce

• Limit turnout during high-risk times (early morning or frosty days)

• Strip grazing or track grazing can help where there is too much.

• Take regular pictures or weigh them often to track their weight

• Bringing the horse in during the day helps to restrict grazing and with grazing growth.

As horse owners, which is easier to have to restrict your horses' grazing and the constant worry of them pushing electric fencing over, or the cost of having to put hay out where we don't have enough grazing.

Personally, I think it depends on your horse. When I owned a thoroughbred, I would have loved the summer grazing I currently have, now I just have a Cob I have way too much grass. I think I prefer not to have enough and to be able to have more control over my horses diet and weight.

🌿 Herbs That Can Help Support Your Horse

We shouldn't be ignoring our grazing and hoping that herbs will fix it all, but they can support a holistic approach to helping your horse

For Horses with Too Much Grass Exposure:

• Milk Thistle: Supports liver function, helpful after rich grazing; however, this should only be used on a temporary basis.

• Dandelion: Aids digestion and helps flush excess toxins

• Nettle: Supports metabolism and may help with sugar balance

• Hawthorn: Improves blood circulation

• Meadowsweet & Devil's claw: can help with pain associated with Laminitis

• Burdock: breaks down stored toxins whilst clivers help to flush the through

• Fennel & Aniseed: help to relax the smooth muscles in the digestive tract.

• Chamomile & Mint: Soothe any inflammation, have a calming effect on the gut and boost appetite

  
  

For Horses with Limited Grazing:

• Fenugreek: Can stimulate appetite and support weight gain

• Ginger root: helps to stimulate the gut, keeping the hind tract working.

For General Gut Health:

• Marshmallow Root: Soothes the digestive tract

• Psyllium: Supports gut lining and prevents irritation

  
  

🐴 Final Thoughts

Does any of us really have perfect grazing? There are lots of things we can control, but the weather isnt one, and this is what has the most effect on our grass, remember it is use that wants a nice green field. Horses are designed to forage; they like hedgerows to forage on, nettles, plantain, and dandelions to nibble on. All we can do is find a routine to suit your horse.

Want more information on the above, drop me a pm or Join Natty's Herbal Support Group.