Feeding Horses in Spring: 5 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Feeding Horses in Spring: 5 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Spring is a time of new growth and renewed energy—for horses and horse owners alike. As the pastures green up and daylight hours lengthen, many owners eagerly turn their horses out to graze. However, the transition from winter to spring can be one of the most challenging periods for equine nutrition. The sudden changes in pasture quality, feeding routines, and energy requirements can upset even the most carefully managed diets.

Below are the five most common feeding mistakes horse owners make in spring, along with practical tips to keep your horse healthy, balanced, and thriving during this seasonal shift.

1. Turning Horses Out Too Quickly on Lush Spring Pasture

Fresh, green grass looks irresistible after months of dry hay, but sudden access to rich spring pasture can cause serious problems. The new growth is typically high in sugars (fructans) and low in fibre, which can upset the microbial balance in the hindgut and lead to digestive disorders such as colic, laminitis, or diarrhea.

Many horses—especially those that are good doers, overweight, or prone to laminitis—are at high risk during this period. The rapid flush of sugars and starches can overwhelm their systems.

Avoid this mistake by:

• Introducing pasture gradually. Start with 15–20 minutes per day and increase turnout time slowly over two to three weeks.

• Using a grazing muzzle for horses prone to overindulging or those needing to manage weight.

• Turning out early in the morning when sugar levels in grass are lower.

• Testing pasture sugar levels if you have high-risk horses; spring grass can vary dramatically with weather and time of day.

Managing turnout carefully helps the digestive system adjust and reduces the risk of metabolic or digestive issues.

2. Failing to Adjust the Diet as Pasture Quality Changes

As horses transition from hay-based winter diets to lush spring grass, their nutritional intake shifts dramatically. Grass provides more energy, vitamins, and moisture—but less fibre per kilogram than hay. Without adjusting the rest of the diet, many horses receive too many calories and not enough structural fibre, leading to weight gain and digestive upset.

Additionally, while spring grass may appear nutrient-rich, it can be deficient in certain minerals such as magnesium, sodium, and copper, which are critical for muscle function, nerve health, and overall metabolism.

Avoid this mistake by:

• Reassessing body condition every two weeks and adjusting hard feed accordingly. Many horses can maintain condition on pasture plus a low-calorie balancer or mineral lick.

• Ensuring mineral balance. A broad-spectrum balancer or mineral supplement designed for Australian conditions helps fill common pasture nutrient gaps.

• Continuing to provide hay, especially overnight or when pasture is short, to maintain healthy gut function.

Remember: Spring grass can change quickly in quality—especially after rain or a warm spell—so feeding management must stay flexible.

3. Neglecting Electrolytes and Hydration

As the weather warms, horses begin to sweat more during exercise or even while grazing under the sun. Many owners overlook the need for electrolyte support and consistent hydration during this transitional period.

Even mild dehydration can affect performance, recovery, and digestion. Electrolyte imbalance can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, or poor recovery after work.

Avoid this mistake by:

• Providing free access to clean, fresh water at all times. Horses can drink between 20–40 litres per day depending on weather and workload.

• Using a salt lick or adding electrolytes to feed or water, especially for horses in moderate to heavy work.

• Feeding a mash or soaked feed (like beet pulp or a product such as a pink recovery mash) to increase water intake and support digestive hydration.

Hydration plays a key role not only in temperature regulation but also in digestion and nutrient absorption—making it one of the easiest ways to support your horse’s spring health.

4. Overfeeding Concentrates When Workload Is Low

Many owners increase grain or concentrate feed in spring under the assumption that horses need more energy for the “active” season. In reality, many horses need fewer calories at this time, especially if they have access to abundant grass.

Overfeeding can quickly lead to excess weight gain, fizzy behaviour, or metabolic strain. Horses evolved to thrive on fibre-based diets, and most recreational horses can maintain ideal body condition with pasture and a vitamin/mineral balancer alone.

Avoid this mistake by:

• Basing the diet on forage first. Ensure at least 1.5–2% of body weight in forage daily (pasture + hay).

• Feeding concentrates only when justified. Reserve grain or pelleted feeds for horses in consistent moderate-to-heavy work, poor doers, or those unable to maintain weight on forage alone.

• Monitoring condition regularly. Use a weigh tape and body condition score system; spring grass can add kilos faster than expected.

A “less is more” approach often keeps horses healthier and calmer, while saving you money on unnecessary feed.

5. Forgetting to Monitor Weight and Metabolic Health

It’s easy to underestimate how quickly a horse’s weight can change in spring. A winter rug hides a lot—and when it comes off, you may discover a horse that’s either too fat from overfeeding or too lean from insufficient energy during the transition.

Obesity is not just a cosmetic issue—it’s a major risk factor for laminitis, insulin resistance, and joint stress. Conversely, underweight horses may need a more gradual adjustment to pasture and possibly digestive support to help them utilise nutrients efficiently.

Avoid this mistake by:

• Checking body condition scores every two weeks.

• Weigh taping your horse monthly to track subtle weight changes.

• Adjusting feed and turnout based on condition rather than the calendar.

• Including regular exercise, as movement helps regulate insulin levels and manage weight.

For horses with a history of laminitis or metabolic conditions, a structured feeding plan, soaked hay, and controlled grazing are essential.

Bonus Tip: Keep Gut Health Front of Mind

Even with the best intentions, spring is a period of significant dietary change. Supporting the hindgut with prebiotics, probiotics, or yeast cultures can help maintain microbial balance and digestion.

Feeds that promote hydration and recovery—like electrolyte-rich mash feeds—can also help buffer gut acidity and support horses during fluctuating weather or workload changes.

Final Thoughts

Spring feeding isn’t just about enjoying the lush grass—it’s about managing transition safely and strategically. By avoiding these common mistakes—rushing turnout, failing to balance nutrients, neglecting hydration, overfeeding concentrates, and ignoring weight trends—you’ll set your horse up for a healthy, comfortable season.

Regular monitoring, gradual changes, and balanced nutrition are the keys to keeping horses thriving all year round. With the right approach, spring can be a season of vitality rather than vulnerability—for both horse and rider.