JUNE 2023 THE RIDER /17 ^Between The Ears^ Horse Behaviour and Spring Grass


affect their behavior and overall well- being. One of the biggest misconcep- tions Scientific research has provided valuable insights into the relationship between spring grass and NSC con- tent, shedding light on the potential effects on equine behavior. Ever won- der why your horse prefers the short grass over the long luscious grass? That would be because the shorter grass is typically sweeter. Non-Structural Carbohydrates,


By Ellie Ross Spring is a time of renewal, and with it comes


lush, green pastures that can have a significant im- pact on equine behavior. As horses graze on fresh spring grass, they are exposed to varying levels of Non-Structural Carbohydrates (NSC), which can


such as sugars and fructans, are an es- sential component of plant tissues, in- cluding grass. Spring grass, characterized by rapid growth and in- creased sugar content, can be rich in NSC. The NSC levels in spring grass can vary based on factors such as plant species, temperature, sunlight exposure, and soil conditions. Scientific studies have shown a


correlation between high NSC con- tent in spring grass and changes in equine behavior. Elevated sugar and fructan levels can affect the digestive system, resulting in alterations in gut microbial populations, nutrient ab- sorption, and hormone production. This, in turn, can influence behavior and temperament in horses. High NSC content in spring


grass can lead to an increase in en- ergy levels and excitability in horses. Elevated sugar levels can result in a surge of readily available energy, leading to hyperactivity, restlessness, and heightened responsiveness to en- vironmental stimuli. Horses may ex- hibit behaviors such as increased playfulness, spookiness, or a greater inclination to buck or rear. Excessive consumption of


spring grass with high NSC content can also disrupt the delicate balance of the equine digestive system. Re- search has shown that an overload of sugars and fructans can ferment in the hindgut, leading to an increase in lac-


ORHA Results Continued from Page 16


Sunday Ranch Riding


1 Faith Lewis 2 Elfriede


Green Horse 1 Landon Brown


1 Tracey Nelson 1 Dan Fletcher Int Non Pro


1 Tracey Nelson 1 Dan Fletcher Ltd Non Pro


2 Mike Joslin


2 Logan Kindall 1 Dan Fletcher


1 Mike Joslin Prime Time Non Pro Green Reiner 1


1 Kayla Crone 2 Anne Lorimer Green Reiner 2


2 Jennifer Plumbtree Rey Of Chex Novice Horse Open L1


2 Lyndsay Kloster 1 Loris Epis


2 Lyndsay Kloster 1 Loris Epis Novice Horse Open L2


SHR Moonlightmobster Gotta Hot Dream


Novice Horse Non Pro L1 1 Hayley Stubbs SHR Moonlightmobster


1 Candice Griffin MAB Gunnasparkya 2 Elizabeth Turnbull Littleblue Peppystep Novice Horse Non Pro L2


2 Candice Griffin MAB Gunnasparkya Shezaten Gotta Hot Dream 1 Josiah Erdelec


Sparks Go Boom Like To Gun It


Lil Mizz Jo 68 71


66.5 71.5


72.5 71


72.5 73


73


65.5 69.5


68


2 Samantha Speed Hollywoodstensparks Non Pro


Dreamin About Jewels Wimps Enterprise


Dreamin About Jewels Wimps Enterprise


Shock Me


FS Lucky Starbuck Wimps Enterprise


Shock Me Tinsul Towns Gun


69.5 69


71.5 71.5


71.5 71.5


70.5 70


71.5 70.5


Boomen N Time Rosskopf


74.5 75 Youth 13 and Under


1 Isabella Kendall Youth 14 to 18


1 Aurora Iacobelli 2 Kate Dixon


Rookie L1 1 Faith Lewis


2 Eleanor Lorden Rookie L2


1 Eleanor Lorden


1 Kim Kloster 2 Joan Willms


Open 1 Chet Marten


2 Lyndsay Kloster Int Open


1 Tim Stanton 1 Tim Stanton


2 Lyndsay Kloster Rookie Pro


2 Elizabeth Adamson Ebony Sparkles Ltd Open


SHR Moonlightmobster


1 Megan Woodward Nu Cash Deal 2 Cole Guoan


Y Not Wowza Star Dealer


SHR Moonlightmobster Star Dealer


Dunn Saving Face


72.5 71


72.5 68.5


72.5 71


66 65


ORHA 2023 Show Dates:


Spirit of Excellence Challenge – July 1-2 Y Not Farms, Meaford


Canadian Reining Classic – July 28-30 Fletcher’s Horse World, Waterford Steel City Slide – August 18-20 Ancaster Fairgrounds, Ancaster


ORHA Grand Finale & Futurity – September 15-17


Fletcher’s Horse World, Waterford FINE LEATHER & SILVER WORKS


Toll-Free (877) 446-4688 Fax: (613) 446-7888


Email: circlersad@yahoo.com Website: www.circlersaddles.com


1265 B Caron St., ROCKLAND, ONT. K4K 1H2


Ray Laviolette (613) 446-4688


Boomen N Time


2 Brooklyn Shannon Sparks From A Dually Rookie Prime Time


Sweet Okie Of Spook Lil Skeets Electric


SHR Moonlightmobster SHR Moonlightmobster


63.5


68 64


68.5 68.5


70 Wallowa Ros


FS Lucky Starbuck CBK Lets Play Ruf


62


66.5 67.5


tic acid production and a decrease in pH levels. These changes can cause discomfort, colic-like symptoms, and potentially affect equine behavior, leading to irritability, aggression, or changes in appetite. Another great concern would be Laminitis. High NSC content in spring


grass has been closely linked to an in- creased risk of laminitis, a painful and potentially debilitating condition in horses. Laminitis can lead to al- tered gait patterns, reluctance to move, and changes in weight distri- bution. As a result, affected horses may exhibit behavioral changes such as depression, reluctance to engage in physical activity, or signs of discom- fort when walking or standing. It is important to note that indi-


vidual horses may react differently to spring grass with high NSC content. Factors such as breed, age, metabolic health, and previous dietary exposure can influence an individual horse’s sensitivity to NSC. Horse owners and caretakers should monitor their horses closely, consider regular test-


ing of pasture NSC levels, and de- velop appropriate management strate- gies to mitigate potential negative effects.


Conclusion: Scientific research highlights


the significance of spring grass and its NSC content in influencing equine behavior. High NSC levels can lead to increased energy, excitability, di- gestive upset, laminitis risk, and be- havioral


changes


Understanding the relationship be- tween spring grass and equine behav- ior is crucial for horse owners and caretakers to make informed deci- sions regarding pasture management, dietary adjustments, and exercise rou- tines to maintain the overall well- being of


their horses. By


implementing appropriate manage- ment strategies, horse owners can help ensure a healthy and balanced environment for their equine com- panions during the spring grazing season. If your horse has suffered


laminitis in the past due to spring grass, it is likely best to keep your horse off the grass. When introducing horses to grass , it should be done gradually. Starting with just 15 min- utes of grazing and increasing that time slowly. This slow transition al- lows their digestive system to adapt to the new food source. • Monitor forage quality: Ensure that the grass the horse is introduced to is of good quality, free from toxic plants, and not overgrazed. Rotate grazing areas to maintain fresh and nutritious grass. • Observe for any digestive issues: Keep a close eye on your horse dur- ing the transition period. Watch for signs of discomfort, such as colic, loose stools, or excessive gas. If you notice any concerning symptoms, consult with a veterinarian immedi- ately.


in horses.


• Maintain a balanced diet: Remem- ber that grass alone may not provide all the necessary nutrients for your horse. Continue to provide a balanced diet with appropriate amounts of hay or other forage sources, as well as any necessary supplements. • Gradually increase grazing time: Over time, increase the horse’s graz- ing time as their digestive system ad- justs and they tolerate the grass well. • Monitor their weight and overall health to ensure they are thriving on the new diet. By following these steps and


paying close attention to your horse’s wellbeing throughout the process, you can safely introduce them to grazing on grass and provide them with a healthy and balanced diet. Always be sure to consult your


veterinarian if there are health con- cerns. There could be treatment op- tions to help the metabolic horse. One of my senior horses became quite nervous and upset. Upon testing, it was revealed he was indeed meta- bolic. I tried all kinds of supplements, diets and so on. His behaviour was undesirable until being treated with prescribed medications. Since then, his demeanour has returned to the calm and confident gelding that he was before.


Author Bio: BSc Equine Science - Virginia Tech. Diploma in Doma Va- quero - Royal Stables / Spain. Former Pet Expert CTV - for 10 years. Pro- fessional Animal Trainer - Large Ex- otics and Domestic Pet. 2x Provincial Champion Extreme Cowboy, Trillium Provincial Dressage champion, Three Day Event Young Rider Cham- pion. Behaviour Assessment Special- ist - Humane Society. Former SPCA Agent. Former FEMA Disaster Re- sponse Team. Owner/operator Circle 8 Ranch. Quarter Horse Breeder


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44