Laminitis is one of the most common conditions affecting horses, and unfortunately, its incidence more than doubles in spring due to the flush of new grass.

When spring arrives, grass is growing rapidly with higher levels of vitamins, minerals, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. That’s great for many horses — it explains why they can look so shiny and healthy in spring. But for horses at risk of laminitis, it’s also a danger period. The sugars, starches, and calories are much higher, and that can tip them into trouble.

This flush is fantastic for thoroughbreds, broodmares, older horses, and even feral horses who depend on it — but for our at-risk horses, the risk period often starts earlier than many people realise. By mid-August, I’m already getting calls and emails about laminitis, and sadly, I had one catastrophic case just last week.

Why Prevention Matters

There’s no cure for laminitis. Rehabilitation is long, difficult, and sometimes horses never fully recover — they may live with permanent hoof changes and pain. So prevention is always better than cure.

Key Prevention Tips

1.  Keep Weight in Check
Learn to body condition score and check regularly. Carrying extra weight increases laminitis risk.

2.     Balance the Diet
A good mineral mix helps ensure the diet is balanced and supports metabolic health. Be aware that different hays vary in safety for laminitic horses.

3.     Prioritise Exercise
For horses with metabolic-related laminitis (the most common in spring), exercise is the most effective prevention. Aim for 20 minutes of trotting, three to four times a week — ridden, driven, or even creatively! One client used to move her herd around a track with a motorbike. Others ride and lead, or use track systems to encourage movement.

4.     Track Systems & Herd Dynamics
Setting up a track system with spread-out water and food encourages natural movement. Horses in herds, especially with a “bossy” mare, often keep each other active.

5.     Keep Trims Regular
Hooves grow faster in spring. A four-week trim cycle keeps them balanced, and farriers often notice changes before owners do.

Stay Aware

Be alert for early signs of laminitis. If you’re unsure whether your horse is at risk, do some reading — I’ve got plenty of articles on my website, and I’ll be posting more short videos soon on causes, risk factors, what happens inside the hoof, and first steps if your horse is affected.

And remember, none of this replaces good veterinary care. If you’re worried about your horse, talk to your vet, farrier, and body workers. If you’d like advice on diet, shoot me an email!