D&H Senior Nutritionist Louise Scott RNutr shares practical advice on managing the autumn flush, from controlling grazing and monitoring body condition to gradually introducing horses to their winter paddocks and supporting their diet through the seasonal change.
After such a dry, arid summer, many of us welcomed the autumn rain with a cheer. But, with the arrival of the much-needed precipitation and temperatures staying mild, it has meant a luxurious flush in grass growth. Whilst this is a good thing for paddocks which may have been looking a little bare until now, it can leave those of us with good doers and laminitis-prone horses and ponies with a challenge on how best to manage their transition onto winter grazing whilst keeping them happy and healthy.
After a record hot summer leading to stunted grass growth between June and August, summer grazing fields are, in a lot of cases, considerably barren, meaning many have had to supplement with hay or haylage throughout the summer months. With the change in weather, the grass will now be growing in these fields, but likely at a slower rate due to compaction and plants needing to recover. If horses are still grazing these summer fields, they may still look empty of any grass; however, the young grass that is coming through will be higher in energy and sugars than older, stemmier pasture, which could put particularly sensitive horses at risk. On the other hand, winter fields that have been resting have had the full advantage of the autumn flush and many are now ankle high (if not knee high!) with healthy green grass, which is great for our winter turnout prospects, but will provide substantially higher quantities of forage than the current paddocks. This could also pose a risk to those metabolically challenged or prone to gaining weight. So, when and how is it best to move horses from their summer paddocks to winter paddocks, especially if they are good doers or metabolically challenged?
For all horses, but especially for good doers, the key to managing horses during the autumn flush is managing intake to prevent unwanted weight gain and making changes gradually to help the digestive system adapt. For good doers, this may be easier to manage by keeping them on summer grazing until the weather becomes cooler and the rate of grass growth drops. Whilst the new grass is richer, the quantity available will be lower, making it easier to regulate their intake. Monitor horses closely, as it may be necessary to also strip graze if the grass is growing particularly quickly. For horses that are prone to laminitis, it may be necessary to restrict access to grazing during this time using grazing muzzles, strip grazing or limiting turnout to just a few hours per day. For very sensitive horses, it may be necessary to remove them from grazing altogether during this period, opting for all-weather turnout pens or straw barns if available. For all horses, with the new fresh grass being more ‘lush’ and typically lower in fibre, it may also be necessary to supplement with some hay in the field to add in some structural fibre, which will encourage chewing and support hindgut health.
The autumn flush typically continues until around mid-October, when temperatures start to dip. This would be the best time to move to rested paddocks. However, switching from two such different types of grazing can put a lot of stress on a horse’s digestive system, with many getting gassy or loose droppings if the changeover happens rapidly. For this reason, we want to allow a gradual introduction to new paddocks, if possible starting with a short period (30 mins–1 hr) on their new field at the end of their grazing period, then building this up gradually over 10–14 days until they have their full turnout time in the new field. This allows their digestive system to adapt and cope better with the change in diet. It can also be beneficial to add in pre and probiotics through a supplement, such as D&H Digestive Support, during this period to support the hindgut during the transition in grazing. For good doers and laminitis-prone horses, it may also be necessary to use grazing muzzles and/or strip graze to prevent gorging on the new pasture.
Monitor body condition weekly to catch any changes quickly. If horses do gain weight, look to implement further controls over grazing (muzzles, strip grazing) and look to increase workload to help keep horses fit and healthy during this change. It is also important to consider bucket feeds. Whilst it can be tempting to cut back or remove bucket feed altogether for good doers during this period, it is important to consider the balance of the horse’s diet. Grazing at this time of year and throughout the winter is often lacking in essential vitamins and minerals that your horse needs daily, so it is important to supplement those in the diet through a low-calorie feed. D&H Slim Down is a great option at this time of year as it is low in sugar and calories but contains concentrated vitamins and minerals to ensure your horse has the correct balance to stay happy and healthy. It also contains low-calorie fibre sources which help keep horses satisfied at mealtimes, and the added structural fibre included in Slim Down, along with added probiotics, will support the horse’s hindgut whilst grazing is variable and lower in fibre.
As in many cases, one size may not always fit all, but by allowing a gradual introduction to winter grazing and providing the right controls and support, your horse can have a healthy and happy transition into the winter period.
For further advice on choosing the right feed and building a diet for your horse, contact the D&H nutritional team on our helpline, 01270 782223 or email helplineenquiries@dodsonandhorrell.com
