Sand Colic

Question
I have 2 mares that I have recntly just moved to our new home wish is on sandy land. I am feeding sand clear by the directions but am wondering if I should be feeding a supplement daily vs the purge method? Both these girls have never been on this type of soil. They are fed twice daily with a mixture of grain and coastal/alfa hay and have fresh water. I am concerned about sand colic and also grass founder since now they have 6 acres of coastal to graze on. I have been letting them graze for 4-5 hours and then stall them the rest of the day and night. They are now up to 8 hours of grazing?

Answer
Dear Amber,

Your purge approach is correct.  If you use the sand clear daily it looses its effect and will not remove sand.  It is key to feed them off the soil by feeding out of tubs or on rubber mats.

As for grass founder concerns, this is hard to answer becuase it depends on the horse and their current condition.  Gradual access to the grass is wise and grazing at night is safer.  The sugar in the grass which is one of the main risk factors for getting laminitis are higher after a day of sun and photosynthesis. Stressed grass is also higher in sugar so if you have drought or after frost the sugar will be higher.  There has been reserach showing that horses who are over weight and cresty are at greater risk of laminitis so watch body condition.  If they start to get crest fat that is a warning sign and if the crest fat starts to feel hard remove them from the grass immediately.  Some breeds are more at risk than others namely the traditional breeds like mustangs, morgans, arabs, all ponies etc.  Horses with underlying metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance are also at greater risk.  As you increae the grazing you may need to reduce their hay intake.  Keep an eye on their weight and adjust accordingly.

Best of luck,

Clair Thunes, PhD
Independent Equine Nutritionist,
Equilibrate Equine Consulting,
www.equilibrateequine.com
info@equilibrateequine.com