Just an aside note to this article: If your horse is showing signs of
tenderness, tripping, trouble turning, just not as sure footed, you might
consider that he is having some low grade laminitis . This is an early sign of
inflammation in the hooves. Many times we miss this symptom or call it
something else. Diet changes from grain, especially sweet feed to a low starch
feed and/or limiting grazing could be all that is needed.
Lynn Swearingen

"Laminitis Risk Increased by Pasture Grass Sugars
by: University of Minnesota Extension
June 29 2009, Article # 14441
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Pasture-induced laminitis (sometimes referred to as founder) can be triggered
when susceptible horses ingest high amounts of sugar or fructans that are
naturally found in some pasture grasses.

Susceptible horses include, but are not limited to, overweight or easy keeping
horses, ponies, horses with metabolic syndrome, and horses that have foundered
in the past. Many of these horses should have limited grazing, or no grazing at
all.

Sugar content depends on the weather, plant stress, forage species, species
maturity, time of day, and time of year. Any time forage species are
photosynthesizing (producing energy from sunlight), the plants are producing
sugars. When plant growth is limited from temperatures lower than 40 degrees or
from drought, sugars normally used for growth will begin to accumulate in
plants.

During these plant stresses, susceptible horses should not graze. Cool spring
and fall weather can cause sugar accumulation, thereby increasing the risk of
pasture-induced laminitis for susceptible horses. Anytime forage species are
using sugars for rapid growth during warm weather, or during respiration (using
energy during dark periods) is a better time to graze. However, laminitis in
susceptible horses can still occur if overeating is allowed.

Consider using a grazing muzzle to limit the amount of forage the horse can
ingest, and restrict the grazing to periods when the sugar content should be
lower. Specifically, graze between 3 a.m. and 10 a.m., on cloudy days, and
during periods when the night temperatures are above 40 degrees. Grazing in
areas shaded by trees or buildings might allow longer access to grass as sugar
accumulation will be less. Allowing pasture grasses to become more mature should
also reduce the sugar content and will result in less (and a slower) intake.

Grazing during these times or scenarios do not guarantee the sugar content will
be lower. There are other factors to consider that contribute to sugar content.
Some pasture species have a higher genetic potential to accumulate sugars under
stressful conditions than others. These species include timothy, bromegrass,
orchardgrass, and most cool]season grasses that are commonly used in horse
pastures in Minnesota. Most forage species store sugars in the bottom three to
four inches of growth.

Making sure pastures are not overgrazed will help avoid laminitis. Forage
species store sugars when they are under stress. Make sure pastures are properly
fertilized, and avoid grazing susceptible horses during drought and in the fall
when nights are cool (less than 40 degrees).



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Krishona Martinson is an equine specialist with University of Minnesota
Extension. "

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