Conditions increase early laminitis risk for many

Posted by Sharon Faulks on 4th Jul 2022

The chance of laminitis in at-risk horses and ponies is likely to be even more serious this year following late summer rains, unseasonal grass growth and cold autumn nights and frost not too far in the future. Any overweight, EMS or any kind of Insulin Resistant horses or ponies need careful management for the next few months, with many needing to be removed from high sugar, high risk pasture.

So what should you recommend for laminitis-prone horses or ponies?

1. Low sugar forage - e.g. Rhodes, Teff or tested Meadow Hay

Horses may graze long or dry grass (without seed heads) but for many, the short green grass gets too high in sugars during autumn and they must be kept in a yard, laneway or track system without access to pasture. When locked off grass, horses need 1.5 to 2% of their bodyweight in low sugar grass hay (soaked or measured at less than 10% ESC plus starch) which is given as 2 -3 meals in slow-feeder hay nets every day. Limit lucerne to under 30% of total forage intake.

2. Vitamins and minerals

We recommend EVM Premium Balancer Pellets for a palatable and convenient low calorie meal. Don't forget to provide free choice access to plain, loose salt.

3. Omega-3 fatty acids

This is particularly important to balance the high pro-inflammatory omega-6 intake of horses without access to green grass. We recommend Farmalogic Omega-3 Plus

4. Farmalogic Fat Pony

An additional tool in managing laminitis risk, Fat Pony Pellets contains natural anti-inflammatories, antioxidants and nutrients to support hoof and joint tissue repair, protect cell membranes from damage by free radical oxidants and improve insulin sensitivity to assist with weight loss and normal metabolism. It is suitable to use before, during and after a laminitic episode. Best results will be obtained when fed as part of a well-balanced, calorie-controlled, forage-based diet containing quality vitamins, minerals and protein.

Example Diets - daily amounts

Obese 200 kg pony locked off grass

3 - 4 kg tested low sugar grass hay (e.g. rhodes or teff hay) OR meadow hay (avoid clover and ryegrass) soaked in hot water for 30 minutes then drained 10 minutes before feeding. Give as 2 to 3 meals in slow feeder haynets.
100 grams EVM Premium Balancer Pellets - can be given with up to 300 grams lucerne chaff or hay if desired.
45 grams Farmalogic Fat Pony if high risk of laminitis OR 15 grams Farmalogic Omega Balancer.https://www.aussiesaddlery.com.au/search.php?search_query=omega
Access to clean loose salt - sodium chloride (e.g. stock, table, pool or flossy salt).

500 kg easy-keeper horse at pasture

Grazing pasture with few seed heads, no short shoots. If gaining weight, use a grazing muzzle to limit intake. If frost occurs, remove horse from pasture until grass growth resumes. Give 8 to 10 kg low sugar grass hay until return to grass.
200 grams EVM Premium Balancer Pellets - can be given with up to 500 grams lucerne chaff or hay if desired.
90 grams Farmalogic Fat Pony if high risk of laminitis OR 30 grams Farmalogic Omega Balancer.
Access to clean loose salt - sodium chloride (e.g. stock, table, pool or flossy salt).

Horse dietary requirements vary according to horse size, weight, workload, stage of life, body condition and the pasture and hard feeds available.

#https://www.aussiesaddlery.com.au/equine-vitamin-and-mineral-omega-3-plus-premium-4kg/