advice on how to prevent laminitis

[rafty]

After reading another thread on here about a pony with lami, I wanted to ask about the field I am putting my pony into next week.

This pony, as far as I know has not had lami before, however it is becoming apparent that not everything I was told is true. So I am going to bear on the safe side with regards to lami, as she is not overweight yet, but is really at the top that she should be. She has seen a vet as he has said her weight is ok, but not to put anymore on.

The field I have has very long grass, which is being cut down for hay. However, some parts of the field cannot be reached by the tractor and will be left very long. I am sectioning off the field, but am wondering about the sugar content ofthis kind of hay. And how big sections to do.

Thanks for any advice on this.

 

[mulledwhine]

Can you strip graze the longer grass?

Some are more prone than others, but at this time of year, the only real thing you can do is limit the grazing, good luck

 

[sarahann1]

If you worried about the hay soak it before you feed it, helps reduce the sugars in it. Also strips out the goodness so you'd need some sort of balancer.

Your section sizes will depend on the sizes of horses out on it and for how long. If you are opting for big sections could your put muzzles on?

 

[becky :)]

second the muzzle - she'll look like Hannibal Lecter but much less likely to get lami!!

 

[TigerTail]

Longer grass has less sugars than the shorter stuff. This is why if given the choice horses tend to graze short stuff firs then get around to the long stuff.

Sugars are lower at night so you could muzzle by day and leave it off at night - or muzzle 24.7 if u have an abundance of the stuff!

Making a track around the edge of the field so the horse has to walk a lot to get to the food/water is great for their feet and exercise rather than strip grazing which tends to mean minimal movement and short sugary grass.

 

[rafty]

Longer grass has less sugars than the shorter stuff. This is why if given the choice horses tend to graze short stuff firs then get around to the long stuff.

Sugars are lower at night so you could muzzle by day and leave it off at night - or muzzle 24.7 if u have an abundance of the stuff!

Making a track around the edge of the field so the horse has to walk a lot to get to the food/water is great for their feet and exercise rather than strip grazing which tends to mean minimal movement and short sugary grass.

As the hay that has been cut hasn't even been baled yet, there will be no growth before she gets to the field, so it will only be long grass or nothing. Is it the sugar in the grass that is more likely to trigger laminitis? I will do some research on this as well but would be grateful for any answers!

I will strip graze, and make the water further away. She will also be exercised, but to be honest less than usual during the summer holidays which start at the beginning of July and grow through to September here!! I am planning on gettting my girls on her, being lead so this will be mainly walk and trot. Then when I get a chance in the evenings can school her and even get out for the occassional hack if I'm lucky!!! Will also look into a muzzle for her to!