Laminitis: Get Them Off The Grass.
Did you know New Zealand is the Equine Laminitis Capital of the World?
Unfortunately, I found this out the hard way!
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It was over twenty years ago when I rescued my first laminitic horse, and I remember how much of a baptism of fire this was, as I had had very little to do with laminitis until then.
The poor horse in question was very sore on his hooves and could hardly take a step, bless him. I oversaw him as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other every few minutes to relieve the pain and establish comfort. He also suffered from a hoof abscess, and there was heat in the hoof with a throbbing at the back of the heel like a pulse. We did all we could to keep him comfortable with poultices and then ice baths to try to reduce the inner swelling of the laminae, which did seem to help a bit.
I remember it vividly, as it certainly wasn't very lovely watching this poor fella suffering like that, and what was even more perplexing was how grass could have caused it. As surely horses are meant to eat grass, aren't they?
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So, off I went to the books and the veterinary universities to find out all I could about this condition. After researching it in detail, all to try to help this poor horse that I had rescued and armed with advice from my Vet to shoe him, I was very confused. However, I prepared my open barn with deep shavings and gave the horse in question a little taped-off area at the front of it that was sparsely covered in grass, fed hay and painkillers of Bute etc....and waited for the recovery.
Which, despite my best efforts did not happen.
This was most upsetting and confusing for me on why the horse wasn't getting any better. Still, as I had also just taken the plunge into going barefoot for the first time too, I decided to consult my trimmer and asked her, "I'm not sure why he isn't getting better."
After my trimmer assessed what I thought was a sparse balding paddock that this horse was being kept in, she told me rather brutally, "What part of getting him off the grass is it that you don't understand'!
This feels so weird to read this now, as I remember that I was flawed with shock, and dismay, as well as upset by her harsh statement, as I felt it was unfair.
After all, I had tried so hard to do so much for this horse and protested that my Vet had said that this approach was fine and that there was so little grass in the area....so surely he would be ok????
It's been more than twenty years since I received this brutally honest advice from a trimmer about rehabilitating laminitic horses. Now, I work with rescue horses and assist people in caring for their domestic horses. After studying equine behaviour and nutrition, I understand the wisdom in that trimmer's advice.
My work involves educating owners about laminitis through our Rescue Centre at Natural Horse NZ. We aim to provide owners with knowledge, support, and real facts on how to prevent their horses from developing this condition. If a horse does have laminitis, we help owners learn how to facilitate the fastest and least painful recovery possible.
Unfortunately, the process is complicated by myths and untruths surrounding the disease. People frequently disagree on the best course of action, which can hinder a horse's recovery.
It’s frustrating to see so many horse owners still being given poor advice about managing laminitis.
I have enormous respect for the veterinary profession and have worked with some excellent vets who truly understand laminitis. When you find one, they can make an incredible difference to both horse and owner, but unfortunately, not every vet has specialist knowledge of equine nutrition or pasture-induced laminitis. I’m still surprised when owners are told their horse can return to grass after only a week, without enough attention given to removing dietary triggers such as grass, grains and pellets.
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You wouldn’t ask a plumber for electrical advice, and the same principle applies here. Vets are highly trained in many areas, but that doesn’t automatically make every vet an expert in equine nutrition. Some have made it their specialty and are extremely knowledgeable, while others may rely on traditional approaches or commercial feeding advice.
The same is true of farriers. Some have embraced modern hoof-care methods, while others continue to recommend metal shoes for laminitic horses.
When a hoof is already inflamed and painful, hammering nails into it makes little sense to us. Shoes may temporarily mask discomfort, but they don’t address the cause of laminitis. If the underlying triggers remain, the horse may still be sore when the shoes come off.
Modern cushioned hoof boots can provide support and comfort without nails. In our experience working with thousands of laminitis cases, the most effective approach includes:
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Hoof boots with supportive inner pads
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Gentle, non-invasive trimming
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Appropriate nutrition
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Effective pasture and paddock management
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Pharmaceutical or herbal pain relief when needed
By addressing the causes rather than only masking the symptoms, we can give horses a better chance of recovering and help prevent future episodes.
It can be difficult for owners to know who to trust. At Natural Horse NZ, we offer independent, practical support focused on helping your horse recover as quickly and affordably as possible, and stay healthy to go on to live a laminitis free life.
Natural Horse NZ
Complete Laminitis Resource Library
Practical information to help you recognise, manage and prevent laminitis in horses.
1. Understanding Laminitis
What Is Laminitis? · Laminitis Triggers · Metabolic Syndrome & Laminitis
2. Recognising the Warning Signs
Laminitis Checks · White Line Changes · Laminitis Watch
3. Recovery and Hoof Care
Laminitis Recovery Plan · Cleo's Story
4. Feeding and Nutrition
Laminitis Diets · Weight Management · Understanding Hay Sugar
5. Grass Management and Prevention
Tracked Grazing · Grass Management · Safe Grazing Times · Frost and Grass
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