Laminitis Triggers
Laminitis is a serious inflammatory condition affecting the lamina, the structures that bind the hoof wall to the coffin bone. When these tissues become inflamed, the pain can be severe and the damage can be permanent. Early recognition and correct management matter, because once laminitis takes hold, the consequences can be life-changing for the horse.
Laminitis does not occur randomly. In the vast majority of cases, the primary driver is excess grass, particularly its sugar content. Other stressors may influence when laminitis shows up, but grass is almost always the underlying trigger.
In New Zealand, laminitis follows a recognisable and predictable pattern. If several of the factors below apply to your horse, it’s time to pay attention and take action.
Pasture induced
Too much green grass, unsuitable hay, baleage, or haylage high in sugar
Mechanical
From concussive forces such as shock from ridden on concrete
Post surgical
After an operation, a surgical procedure, or a medical event
Pregnancy
Extra weight stress, hormone changes, post foaling, or lactation-related
Mycotoxins or aflatoxins
These create inflammation, which can trigger laminitis.
Inflammation Foods
A lot of pellets and bagged feeds contain hidden inflammatory ingredients that can tip a horse over into laminitis
Toxic Event
This refers to an event that introduces toxins into the horse’s system. Examples include ingestion of poisonous plants, exposure to herbicides or weedkillers, ingestion of encysted strongyle larvae, or chewing timber coated with toxic paint or chemicals.
Support Limb Laminitis
Caused by uneven weight bearing after an injured limb, hoof abscess, or similar
Other Stressful Event
Examples include worming, a harsh or overly aggressive trim, prolonged confinement such as long periods standing during transport by float or truck, separation from a bonded pasture mate, or any other physically or emotionally traumatic event.​​
If these triggers look familiar, this video explains
what’s really happening inside the hoof.
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
Explore More Laminitis and Grass Articles →