As the days get longer and the pasture starts to glow with new life, most horse owners feel a sense of excitement. But for many horses—especially those with metabolic issues—spring can be one of the most dangerous times of year.

Enter: spring laminitis.

This seasonal risk is more than just a fluke; it’s a predictable, preventable problem that deserves a place in every horse owner’s spring plan.

🌾 What Is Spring Laminitis?

Laminitis is a painful, inflammatory condition affecting the laminae—the tissue that connects the hoof wall to the coffin bone. When inflammation strikes, the bond between hoof wall and bone weakens, sometimes catastrophically.

Spring laminitis refers to laminitis triggered by the sugar content in spring grass. It is particularly common in horses with:

Insulin dysregulation or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
PPID (Cushing’s disease)
Obesity or a history of laminitis

But it can happen to any horse if the conditions are right.

🍬 The Sweet, Sneaky Problem: Sugars in Spring Grass

Spring pasture is high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs)—sugars and starches that spike when grass is rapidly growing in cool temperatures and bright sunlight.

For insulin-sensitive horses, those sugars can trigger a metabolic chain reaction that ends in a laminitic episode.

📌 Here’s the kicker: Grass doesn't need to look lush to be risky. Even short, stressed grass in early spring sun can be dangerously high in sugar, particularly for our higher-risk equines.

🚩 Who’s at Risk?

Your horse may be at increased risk if they:

Are overweight or cresty
Have a history of laminitis
Are easy keepers or native breeds (e.g., ponies, Morgans, Arabians)
Show signs of insulin resistance (fat pads, poor topline, abnormal shedding)

💡 If you're unsure, talk to your vet about testing for insulin dysregulation or PPID before spring grazing begins.

🛡️ Prevention Is Power: How to Protect Your Horse

✅ 1. Restrict Grazing During High-Risk Times

Avoid turnout early in the morning after cool nights (this is when sugar levels peak)
Use grazing muzzles (we love GreenGuard! Take 15% off with code TheHorsePT) or create dry lots to limit intake
Start with short turnout periods, especially for horses coming off hay-only diets

✅ 2. Watch the Weather

Cool nights + sunny days = high NSC levels.
Use tools to track local conditions that may spike sugars. There are even apps to help you track grazing risk!

✅ 3. Keep Up with Hoof Care

Early laminitis signs often show up in the hooves:

Unexplained heat in the feet
Increased digital pulse: Learn to take your horse’s digital pulse here
Shortened stride or reluctance to turn
Stretching in the white line
Event lines showing up on the hoof wall

Regular farrier visits and knowing your horse’s normal can help you catch changes early.

✅ 4. Manage Body Condition Year-Round

Spring prevention starts in fall and winter. Overweight horses are more likely to have insulin dysregulation—so don’t let blankets and fluff hide excess weight.

An obese horse with a “cresty neck.” American Farrier’s Journal.

🐴 Know the Early Warning Signs

Even with the best management, it's important to stay vigilant. Call your vet immediately if you notice:

Reluctance to walk or turn
Standing with front feet stretched forward
Rocking back off the front limbs
Bounding digital pulses

Early intervention is critical. Laminitis caught early can be reversible—but advanced cases often cause permanent damage.

A horse demonstrating the classic “laminitis stance.” *Horse and Hound*

🌼 Final Thoughts

Spring grass is not the enemy—but for sensitive horses, it needs to be respected and managed wisely.

By being proactive with diet, turnout, body condition, and health monitoring, you can enjoy the season without risking a painful, preventable crisis.

If you’re not sure where your horse stands, this is the perfect time to:

Have a chat with your farrier
Book a metabolic screening with your vet
Review turnout and exercise plans
Create a custom prevention strategy

📞 We're here to help support your horse’s wellness—through every season.

Need help? Book a virtual consultation to create a laminitis prevention strategy today!

🌱 Spring Laminitis: Why Prevention Starts Before the Grass Turns Green