Horse Pasture Management and Laminitis Prevention

Laminitis is one of the most painful and welfare-significant conditions in horses, and pasture management is central to prevention in at-risk animals.

Key Facts

Laminitis affects the laminar tissue connecting the hoof wall to the pedal bone inside the foot
Affected horses experience severe foot pain, often refusing to move or bear weight normally
High non-structural carbohydrate content in lush spring grass is a leading trigger for pasture-associated laminitis
Ponies, native breeds, and equine metabolic syndrome horses are at highest risk
Strip grazing, dawn turnout only, and track systems can dramatically reduce laminitis risk in susceptible horses

Welfare Considerations

Laminitis is one of the most severe acute pain conditions in horses, causing significant suffering and often leading to euthanasia in recurrent or severe cases. The strong link between dietary management and laminitis risk means that informed owners can prevent many episodes through pasture management and appropriate feeding. Yet laminitis rates remain high because the connection between grass quality and laminitis risk is poorly understood by many horse owners. Veterinary education programs that improve owner knowledge of laminitis prevention would prevent substantial welfare suffering across the equine population.

What You Can Do

Learn the signs of laminitis and act immediately by contacting a veterinarian if you suspect an episode
Implement grazing management strategies for horses at risk including strip grazing and dawn-only turnout
Test hay for non-structural carbohydrate content if your horse has a history of laminitis
Work with your veterinarian to identify and manage metabolic conditions that increase laminitis risk