HOOF CARE:

We are once again in that time of the year and I hate to say this out loud, but it looks like winter is coming early. If you are a person who follows the old time signs, NASA weather, or just looking around the environment around you and the animals I hate to say all of the above point to a long, cold, wet or snowy winter. Whatever you believe in there are precautions we as horse owners need to beware.

Frost will be coming soon and this is a time of the year that can be as dangerous as in the spring with the high sugar contents. Especially you owners with older horses and horses with Metabolic Challenged Horses. When the first frosts hit’s the grass in the fall this is increase the levels of sugars through the roof. This happens in your pastures grasses so they can stay green longer into the fall. Your grass is not ready for the rest over the winter. Usually it takes 3-4 heavy frost on the grass to kick it over into the winter hibernation cycle. During this time I see a lot of grass related problems (i.e. Laminitis and Founder).

If you have a horse that has suffered these problems in the past it is best to limit or remove the horse from the grass pastures. I don’t like stalling a horse to much, but if this is the only way to get them off the grass then it does work. I prefer a dry lot the best because it allows the horse movement around a paddock and will eliminate other problems like stocking up and boredom in a stall. If you stall your horse treat them like you would in the spring limit their time on the pastures and if you go the stall route this gives them time to stretch their legs.

Just take home this thought. Fall grass is just as dangerous as the spring grass is for horses on pasture.

Enjoy the fall riding season and the beautiful changing of the leaves on the trails and ride smart and ride safe. ENJOY