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ES Epigenetics: equine nutrition programs the foal of the future.
May 9, 2025
For some horses, the pasture is a familiar habitat; for others, it is a risk zone. While some have grazed trouble-free for years, others react to the first spring grass with colic, laminitis or explosive energy.
But even with the so-called "experienced" pastured horses, danger lurks when the guidance is lagging behind. Because grazing is not a matter of habituation - it is a management choice that must be tailored to the type, physiology AND history of the horse.
Not every horse enters the pasture with the same baggage. Therefore, the approach must differ by type:
Young horses: Their gut microbiome is still developing. Too rapid a transition to high-energy grass can lead to digestive problems or behavioral changes.
Sober breeds: Think of Icelanders, Friesians or Shetlanders. Their metabolism is geared to being skimpy and often tolerates sudden high sugar or fructan poorly.
Older horses: Reduced chewing power, altered insulin sensitivity or underlying liver or kidney problems make them more vulnerable to spring changes.
Recovering horses: After colic, laminitis or antibiotic use, a phased, controlled reintroduction is crucial.
A common killer.
No symptoms does not automatically mean a healthy course.
Chronic liver overload, subclinical hoof problems or latent insulin resistance often remain under the radar - Until things go wrong.
Year after year without a visible problem is no guarantee, especially if rations, labor or soil conditions do change.
Exercise, feed intake, social interaction, exposure to stimuli: the pasture is an intense environment.
Well-planned grazing contributes to muscle maintenance, mental rest and natural eating patterns. But that only works if the ration matches the reality on the grass: sugars, energy content and timing vary by plot, season and time of day.
Tip: schedule your work before or after the peak in fructan levels (lower in the evening when the weather is stable), especially with sensitive horses.
Young horses: gradual build-up in minutes, roughage before grazing, additional monitoring on manure and behavior.
Sober types: limited grazing time, possibly with grazing mask, supplement with poor hay to reduce total sugar content.
Seniors: regular dental checks, additional protein via alfalfa or pulp, monitoring for muscle mass and manure quality.
Recovered: start grazing under supervision, preferably in paddock or scanty pasture with hay ration as a base.
Grazing is not automatic - it is a strategic part of management that must be as individually tailored as a training plan or feeding plan.
Looking at each horse as a unique case reduces risk and increases well-being.
And even the greatest pasture veteran deserves an annual re-evaluation. Because even experience wears out.