Horse Summer Pasture-Associated Laminitis Prevention

Spring and summer pasture laminitis is a predictable, largely preventable welfare crisis that affects thousands of horses annually, particularly native and pony breeds.

Key Facts

Non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) levels in grass peak in spring, autumn and during cool sunny days
NSCs trigger insulin dysregulation in susceptible horses, causing laminitis within hours of exposure
Grazing muzzles reduce grass intake by up to 80% while allowing turnout and movement
Removing susceptible horses from pasture during peak NSC periods (sunny days after cold nights) reduces risk
Track systems provide movement opportunity while restricting grass access for at-risk horses

Welfare Considerations

Summer laminitis is predictable enough that prevention should be achievable for most at-risk horses with proactive management. The frustration for owners is that restricting the horses they love from enjoyable turnout — grass, movement and socialisation — feels cruel. But laminitis causes extreme, acute pain that is far more welfare-damaging than restricted turnout. Grazing muzzles allow horses to participate in herd turnout with significantly reduced grass intake. Track systems allow free movement around a grass-restricted perimeter. The welfare cost of proactive restriction is vastly lower than the welfare cost of treating acute laminitis.

What You Can Do

Fit susceptible horses and ponies with grazing muzzles during high-risk pasture periods
Remove at-risk horses from grass during sunny days following cold nights
Consider a track system as a long-term solution for horses needing movement without grass access
Learn to recognise the earliest laminitis warning signs for prompt intervention