Struggling with fresh grass

[MarvelVillis]

Just after some advice/thoughts from others. Wondering if it’s something I need a chat with my vet about or something I can manage myself.

At my yard, my gelding is turned out in a small herd and they alternate between two large fields every couple of months of so. Every time they are moved into the new field with the fresh longer grass, he seems to struggle a bit with it for week or so. Today for example was the day they switched fields, and I brought him in as usual for his tea. He was happy enough to walk in but he didn’t want his feed, he comes out in a sweat especially by his neck/shoulders and he becomes quite lethargic/sleepy. He doesn’t display any behaviours like pawing, lying down, rolling, looking uncomfortable etc. I left him in for a couple of hours, he had done a poo, hadn’t touched much of his hay, but appeared much brighter and alert. I manage it fine by leaving him in for a few hours each day for a week or so whilst he adjusts to the new grass and then he is quite happy being out 24/7. So my question is really, is this normal/ok, or anything to be worried about? Is it worth me chatting to the vet? Is there anything particular feed/supplement wise I can give him during the summer months to help him?

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

If I couldn’t prevent the continual switching of fields onto more abundant grass I would shorten the time exposed on it or muzzle. I would consult a vet as there are metabolic conditions which may well make your horse sweat and be lethargic and real damage might be being done.

 

[Melody Grey]

Sounds like he’s gorged himself. I wouldn’t be happy with mine doing this, though I see plenty of it going on around me. I too would be worried about colic risk- could you muzzle for a few days to allow adjustment?

I’ve always found activated charcoal good for setting tummies and helping with gassiness when moving fields and then brewers yeast as a general supplement (fed at opposite ends of the day as the charcoal soaks up anything else).

I’m lucky that mine are all in one herd and I strip graze, must be a pain if it’s herd turnout organised by the yard.

 

[MarvelVillis]

I haven’t muzzled him before, have always been reluctant to really but it might be the best thing for him. Unfortunately the turnout is organised by the yard so not able to strip graze or anything similar.

 

[Fransurrey]

This used to drive me mental. I joined a yard in March and by May they'd been in four different fields. I left at the end of May as I had to start muzzling 24/7 or still bring in overnight when everyone else was enjoying 24/7. YM just didn't get that it was an issue for a pony with EMS and another with sweet itch. If he's brought in overnight and it's only every couple of months (mine was every 3 weeks), I would muzzle for the first week of turnout in the new field.