Table of Contents

Why Autumn Grass Can Still Be a Laminitis Risk 

Grass is an important part of most horses' diets, but for horses predisposed to laminitis, unrestricted access can be problematic.

Grass produces non-structural carbohydrates, commonly referred to as NSCs, which include sugars, starches and fructans. For some horses with metabolic conditions, high intakes can contribute to an excessive insulin response.

Teagasc's Grassland for Horses guidance explains that horses and ponies prone to laminitis need their grass intake and body condition monitored carefully, particularly when insulin dysregulation, EMS or PPID is involved.

Autumn can bring its own challenges.

Rain after a dry period may encourage fresh growth, while changes in pasture quality can happen quickly. Teagasc advises owners to remain cautious during wet autumn conditions as grass can become too lush for susceptible horses and ponies.

The key is not to assume that pasture is automatically safe because the spring flush has passed.

Horses Most at Risk of Laminitis 

Any horse can develop laminitis, but some need particularly careful pasture management.

Higher-risk groups include horses or ponies with:

• A previous history of laminitis

• Equine Metabolic Syndrome

• Insulin dysregulation

• PPID/Cushing's disease in some cases

• Excess body condition or regional fat deposits

Teagasc describes EMS as a condition involving insulin resistance, increased fat deposits and a predisposition to laminitis. Not every overweight horse has EMS and not every horse with EMS is overweight, so veterinary assessment is important where metabolic problems are suspected. Read Teagasc's guidance on Equine Metabolic Syndrome.

There is useful Irish research here too. A UCD School of Veterinary Medicine study of Connemara ponies found a significant association between obesity and hyperinsulinaemia, reinforcing the importance of monitoring body condition in horses and ponies at risk of endocrinopathic laminitis. 

Laminitis does not always begin with the dramatic leaning-back stance that many owners associate with the condition.

Early Warning Signs of Laminitis 

Early changes may be much less obvious.

According to Teagasc's horse ownership guidance, signs can include:

• Shuffling weight from one foot to another

• Intermittent lameness

• Reluctance to walk

• Heat in the feet

• A stronger or pounding digital pulse

• Stretching the front legs forward

• Shifting weight towards the hind feet

• Obvious discomfort or reluctance to move in more serious cases

Your own knowledge of your horse is important.

Changes in how they turn, walk over harder ground, lift their feet or move around the field may provide useful clues that something does not feel right.

Horses also communicate discomfort through changes in posture and behaviour. Our Horseware guide to understanding horse body language explains some of the physical cues worth becoming familiar with as part of your everyday horse-care routine.

If you suspect laminitis, contact your vet rather than waiting for more obvious symptoms to develop.

Creating an Autumn Grazing Plan

There is no single turnout routine that works for every horse.

Your grazing plan should reflect your horse's health, body condition, workload and previous history, as well as the amount and quality of grass available.

1. Start with Your Horse's Risk Level

A horse with no previous metabolic problems and a healthy body condition may be managed very differently from a pony with a history of laminitis.

If your horse has previously had laminitis, EMS or PPID, discuss pasture access with your vet.

Some higher-risk horses may require substantial grazing restrictions.

2. Check Body Condition Regularly

Weight changes can creep up gradually, particularly when you see your horse every day.

Get hands-on rather than judging conditions simply by looking at the belly.

Check areas including:

• The crest of the neck

• Behind the shoulders

• Over the ribs

• Along the back

• Around the tail head

A weight tape can also help you track changes over time.

Using it consistently is more useful than relying on an occasional measurement. Record the result every couple of weeks so that you can see whether your horse is gradually gaining or losing condition.

3. Control Grass Intake Where Needed

For horses prone to laminitis, options may include:

• Strip grazing

• Controlled periods of pasture access

• A track system

• A grazing muzzle

• Turnout in an appropriate grass-free or very low-grass area with suitable forage

Teagasc recommends careful grass management for overweight and laminitis-prone horses and includes strip grazing and grazing muzzles among the available options. See Teagasc's equine grassland management advice.

Avoid simply starving an overweight horse or pony.

Forage remains essential for digestive health, and any weight-loss programme should be gradual and appropriately balanced.

4. Watch for Changes in the Field

Do not judge a paddock only by how much grass appears to be in it.

Keep an eye on:

• Fresh autumn growth

• Changes following rainfall

• Recently rested paddocks

• Changes in grass availability

• How quickly your horse is gaining condition

A grazing plan may need adjusting several times throughout autumn rather than remaining the same from September to winter.

5. Review Rather Than Assume

A plan that worked last year may not necessarily suit your horse this year.

Age, condition, workload and metabolic health can all change.

Regular conversations with your vet and farrier are particularly worthwhile if your horse has experienced laminitis previously.

Using a Grazing Muzzle

For some horses, a grazing muzzle can help limit grass intake while still allowing turnout and movement.

Teagasc includes grazing muzzles as one possible management option for horses and ponies at risk of laminitis.

However, a muzzle needs to fit correctly and should be monitored carefully.

Check regularly for:

• Rubbing around the muzzle or face

• Pressure behind the ears

• Hair loss

• Damaged fastenings

• Difficulty drinking

• Changes in behaviour

Introduce a grazing muzzle gradually rather than putting it on for a long turnout period straight away.

It is also important to remember that a muzzle does not remove the need to monitor body condition, grass availability or your horse's overall diet.

Think of it as one part of a wider grazing plan rather than a guarantee against laminitis.

Other Gear That Can Help with Grazing Management

Not every useful piece of equipment needs to be complicated.

A few simple items can make autumn management much easier.

Temporary Fencing

Temporary electric fencing can help you create strip-grazing areas or a track system and control access to fresh grass.

Make sure fencing is visible, safe and appropriate for horses, with access to water and shelter included in the layout.

A Weigh Tape

Regular measurements provide an easy way to follow weight trends.

Try to measure your horse:

• At the same time of day

• In the same place

• Using the same technique

Keep a record rather than relying on memory.

A Hoof Pick

Daily hoof care gives you the opportunity to notice changes quickly.

Get used to what your horse's feet normally feel and look like so that unusual heat, sensitivity or changes in stance stand out sooner.

Hi-Vis Equipment

For healthy horses that are sound and suitable for exercise, maintaining an appropriate workload can form part of sensible weight management.

Shorter autumn days can make that harder, particularly if you rely on hacking.

If you are riding in reduced daylight, our Horseware guide to winter reflective gear for horse and rider has practical advice for improving visibility.

Never exercise a horse with suspected or active laminitis unless your vet specifically advises you to do so.

Managing Weight and Exercise Through Autumn

Autumn can be a tricky period for managing weight.

Summer grazing may have already allowed a good-doer to gain condition, while shorter days and worsening weather can lead to a reduction in exercise.

At the same time, owners may begin increasing feed as temperatures fall.

Take a moment to assess what your horse actually needs.

If workload reduces, their calorie requirements may change too.

For horses with EMS, Teagasc advises that managing diet and excess body weight is particularly important. Where horses are sound, exercise may help with weight management, but it should be introduced gradually and carried out on suitable surfaces.

The crucial distinction is whether the horse is comfortable and sound.

A horse with active or suspected laminitis should not be exercised for weight loss.

Rugging Your Horse Through Autumn

Rugging is another area where it can be tempting to follow the season rather than the individual horse.

The first cold morning does not necessarily mean every horse requires a heavier rug.

Consider:

• Body condition

• Breed and type

• Age

• Whether the horse has been clipped

• Workload

• Shelter

• Wind and rain

• Individual tolerance of colder weather

Horseware's Rugging Guide Part Two looks at these factors in more detail and explains why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing a rug.

Body condition deserves particular consideration in horses where weight is already being carefully managed.

Rather than rugging according to what other horses at the yard are wearing, check the horse underneath.

Our guide to keeping your horse comfortable in their rug covers signs that your horse may be too warm or too cold, along with practical rug-fitting checks.

Autumn is also a useful time to reassess rug fit if your horse's weight has changed over summer.

Teagasc recommends checking rugs for fit as horses gain or lose condition and regularly removing them to check the horse underneath.

What to Do if You Suspect Laminitis

Laminitis requires prompt veterinary attention.

If your horse shows signs that could indicate laminitis:

• Remove access to grass

• Contact your vet immediately

• Avoid forcing the horse to walk

• Keep movement to a minimum until you receive veterinary advice

• Follow your vet's instructions regarding bedding, feeding and hoof support

• Involve your farrier as advised as part of ongoing management

Teagasc specifically advises owners to call their vet immediately where laminitis is suspected. 

Do not wait for the classic laminitic stance to appear.

A horse that is simply reluctant to turn, unusually short-strided or repeatedly shifting weight may still require investigation.

Common FAQs

Can horses get laminitis in autumn?

Yes. Laminitis is not limited to spring. Teagasc specifically advises owners to monitor susceptible horses and ponies during autumn because wetter conditions can encourage lush grass growth.

Which horses are most at risk of laminitis?

Horses with previous laminitis, EMS, insulin dysregulation, PPID/Cushing's disease or excess body condition may require particularly careful management. If your horse falls into a higher-risk category, discuss grazing with your vet.

What are the early signs of laminitis?

Early signs may include shifting weight, intermittent lameness, reluctance to move, heat in the feet or a stronger digital pulse. Do not wait for the traditional rocked-back stance before contacting your vet.

Can a grazing muzzle help prevent laminitis?

A grazing muzzle can help reduce grass intake and may be useful as part of a wider management programme. It cannot guarantee that a horse will not develop laminitis, so body condition, total diet, pasture and individual risk still need to be monitored.

Can I simply reduce turnout time?

Sometimes, restricting the number of hours at grass is not suitable for every horse or every pasture. Horses may also alter their grazing behaviour when turnout time is limited. Discuss the best method of controlling pasture intake with your vet or equine nutritionist where your horse is at particular risk.

Should an overweight horse be put on a very restricted diet?

Weight loss should be controlled and gradual. Horses still require appropriate fibre intake, so avoid drastic feed restriction without professional guidance.

Should I exercise on a horse with laminitis?

No. A horse with suspected or active laminitis should not be exercised unless specifically directed by your vet. Contact your vet promptly and minimise unnecessary movement.

Do all horses need heavier rugs as autumn arrives?

No. Rugging should be based on the individual horse, considering their coat, body condition, workload, clipping, weather and access to shelter. Horseware's Rugging Guide Part Two explains the factors that can help guide your choice.