Newsdate: Fri 11 April 2014 – 7:20 am
Location: GUELPH, Ontario

In their latest seasonal health flash, Equine Guelph reminds horse owners of ways they can help keep their equines healthy in spite of weather and environmental conditions related to the spring season. By careful pasture management and attention to basic health care practices, horses can be protected from diseases and other threats to their health.

Importance of pasture management for equine health

In their latest seasonal health flash, Equine Guelph reminds horse owners of ways they can help keep their equines healthy in spite of weather and environmental conditions related to the spring season.

In addition, the spring horse health care flash shows alerts to remind horse owners that diseases such as Equine Herpesvirus-1, equine anemia, and rabies pose threats to horses in many areas throughout the year.

Among their top seasonal tips for spring are the following:

1. Stay on solid ground - Although it may be tempting to have a spring fling ride on the trails, be wary of soft conditions. Slippery footing is a major cause of tendon damage. Keep off the grass until you are sure it is safe.
2. Something smelly afoot - Thrush is more than just a foul odour. Stamp out this fungal infection before it leads to lameness.
3. Manage pastures to prevent muddy conditions by restricting horse access from the wettest parts of the pasture. Create a sacrifice area during winter months where horses are kept so that pastures can maintain healthy plant growth in main areas.
4. Laminitis - Too much spring grass is only one cause.  Beware of diets high in starch, sugars and fructans.
5. Biosecurity - Keep infectious disease from ruining plans for your upcoming season. Use Equine Guelph's Biosecurity Risk Calculator.