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Post by Lukey D. on Apr 11, 2008 11:07:02 GMT -5
Ok, if Lukey does get moved from his dirt pen with a round bale to a huge grass field, how do I gradually introduce him to the grass? He's never been on grass. I know he should eat a little a day, and increase it everyday or so, but I'm not exactly sure how to. Will it be dangerous to only let him eat grass and no hay? Also, I want some type of pelleted feed that I can give him each day with Omega Horseshine in it. He'll be in work probably 3-4 times a week, just walk/trot/canter, and a lesson once a week in jumping (nothing big though, we're just learning). What are your opinions? I'm afraid he'll get laminitis or something, but can he get that if I introduce grass slowly? Thanks for your help, you guys know way more than I do! ;D
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Post by jenarby on Apr 11, 2008 13:29:59 GMT -5
It depends in how the grass is coming up in your area right now. If it's not real green then it's a prefect time to put him out on it. The worst time if when it's really lush and the horse has not been living on it. If the pasture is big and doesn't get overgrazed, you could get by with giving hay. I have had as many as six horses on 13 acres. They do not over graze the pasture and they were all fat and shiney with no hay. Now we only have three out there and I'm expecting them to be fat as ticks this summer.
As for grain look for a complete feed. You can ask someone at your feed mill what should work best for Lukey. I feed a sweet feed so am not familiar with pelleted feed types. My outside horses do not even get but a tiny bit of grain when they are in work.
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Post by NancyL on Apr 16, 2008 9:15:47 GMT -5
You can always get a grazing muzzle to keep him safe until he gets used to grass. It's not dangerous to have him eating lush pasture once he gets used to it. Like every other feed strategy, gradual transitions are best.
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Post by animaldoc on Apr 16, 2008 11:18:30 GMT -5
Generally if you turn them out this time of year when the pastures are pretty bare with grass beginning to green up (that's what we have here anyway) and then just leave them out, the increase in lushness will be gradual enough. Ours were on all day turnout all winter (well unless it was really nasty out) and they still are...
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