It’s Spring – Ready, Set, Ride! Now that the weather has finally warmed up, horse owners are starting to spend more time with their horses, and are looking forward to even more enjoyable riding weather. Preparing your horse properly for the new season ensures they stay healthy and perform their best. There are some nutritional concerns, however, during this season, and some management issues we should address.
First, as we start working our horses more, we must increase the plane of nutrition to ensure that the horse’s increased requirements are met. Energy is crucial. Instead of just adding grain, consider feeds with safer energy sources. Feeds such as Purina’s Ultium® Competition, Strategy® Professional Formula GX, and Omolene #500® Horse Feed are higher in fat and fermentable fibers, and lower in starch than traditional sweet feeds. Remember to introduce any feed changes gradually.
Proper management is just as important as nutrition.
- Pasture Introduction: A sudden switch from hay to lush spring grass can cause issues like laminitis. The problems usually occur when horses have been confined and fed a hay and grain diet during the winter, and are then abruptly turned out on the lush green pasture. Introduce them to pasture slowly over several days.
- Conditioning: Your horse isn’t ready for a long trail ride after a quiet winter. To prevent muscle soreness, and possibly “tying-up”, horses should be gradually reintroduced to work. Start with short, easy rides and build up intensity over time.
By focusing on these key areas, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable riding season for both you and your horse. Don’t forget to visit Steinhauser’s for all your equine needs!
Source: By Dr. Katie Young, Consulting Equine Nutritionist, Purina Mills, LLC