spring grass

Question
I was told that new spring grasses will cause a horse to founder.Is this so?I think the grass could cause colic if to much is eaten;right or wrong?My pasture is about 6 inches tall in native grasses of Arkansas.

Answer
Linda,
 Yes new spring grass if too much is eaten, can cause both colic and founder.  Before turning your horses out on your grass pasture you should mow the grass down to about 3/4"-1", and turn your horses out on it for about 4 hours or so during the day for a few days, then 8 hours or so for another few days, before turning them loose full time.  But you still need to watch that they don't blow up like elephants.  
I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any other questions.

Samantha