This green stuff is confusing! Here are my horses up to their armpits in lush green grass. I thought they would for sure get the scours when I took them off of the very short grass they were on with all the rain coming they would have turned that paddock into a ploughed field and it would never grow decent grass again! But actually, their droppings went from green and sloppy on the short grass to golden brown and formed on this new grass, more like hay fed horse droppings. It might look like a nightmare about to happen, but in practice, it is actually much better for them than the short grass was. It is higher in fibre, probably lower in nutrients and undoubtedly takes a lot more chewing! Food for thought? Take home message - long grass might actually be better for horses than short grass. Or did we not know that already? Jane van Lennep, Director of Nutrition
Rain fall can trigger growth akin to a spring flush, especially if temperatures are high. Even whilst true spring may be in the past, the risk for those prone to laminitis will rise.
For the second consecutive Sunday, presenter Adam Henson has discussed the use of sainfoin during Countryfile.
''Feed the mare to feed the foal'' - wise words from many an experienced breeder. With little grass due to the dry weather, grazing can be topped up in the feed bowl.