Spring Laminitis: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Protect Your Horse
The Silent Spring Risk: When Pasture Grass Becomes a Danger
One in ten horses suffers from laminitis at least once a year – according to a British study, as frequently as colic. Yet, many horse owners underestimate the risk that begins with the first turnout in spring. Especially now, in April and May, when the grass looks fresh and luscious, the danger is greatest.
Laminitis is no trivial matter. After colic, it is considered the most common fatal disease in horses – as veterinary sources have confirmed for decades. Anyone who knows the warning signs and understands why spring, in particular, is dangerous can potentially spare their horse an emergency.
What Happens in the Hoof During Laminitis
Medically, laminitis is Pododermatitis Aseptica – an aseptic inflammation of the laminae (the lamellar layer between the pedal bone and the hoof capsule). These lamellae are responsible for connecting the pedal bone to the hoof horn. If they become inflamed, blood circulation to the hoof is disrupted.
Since the hoof capsule cannot expand, enormous pressure pain occurs. In severe cases, the pedal bone loses its attachment and rotates or sinks downwards – in the worst case, it breaks through the hoof capsule. The result is a lifelong condition or, if the horse's quality of life can no longer be maintained, euthanasia.
Time is crucial for the course of the disease: After just 48 to 72 hours without treatment, veterinarians speak of chronic laminitis, which can permanently impair the horse. This timeframe makes laminitis a true emergency.
Why April and May are Particularly Dangerous
The most common form is so-called feed-induced laminitis, triggered by the sudden intake of large amounts of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates. In spring, the main culprit is fructan in pasture grass.
Fructans are plant storage carbohydrates. A doctoral thesis at the Institute of Animal Nutrition at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover (TiHo) in 2003 showed: In spring and autumn, the fructan content in grass is significantly higher than in summer – with strong fluctuations within individual weeks.
Cool nights with near-frost temperatures, followed by sunny days, are particularly risky. The grass produces fructan during the day through photosynthesis, but due to the cold, it cannot use it for growth and instead stores it. The result: exceptionally high fructan levels in the grass on sunny spring mornings.
According to research by the Chamber of Agriculture NRW in collaboration with TiHo Hannover: The colder the night and the stronger the sunlight in the morning, the higher the fructan content – and the greater the risk for sensitive horses.
In the horse's large intestine, fructans are rapidly fermented by bacteria. This produces lactic acid and other metabolic products. The pH value drops, the intestinal lining is damaged, and bacterial toxins enter the bloodstream. There, they act on the blood vessels in the hoof – resulting in the typical inflammatory cascade of laminitis.
Which Horses are Particularly at Risk
Not every horse reacts the same way. Certain factors significantly increase the risk:
Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS): Horses with insulin resistance are particularly sensitive to high-sugar feed and grass. EMS primarily affects overweight, middle-aged horses.
PPID (Cushing's Syndrome): Older horses from about 15 years of age are particularly susceptible due to hormonal changes. Laminitis is a common secondary disease of PPID.
Hardy Breeds and Ponies: Icelandic horses, Fjord horses, Haflingers, and Welsh Ponies are genetically more predisposed than warmbloods. Their metabolisms are designed for food scarcity – not for energy-rich cultivated pasture grass.
Obesity: Every additional percentage of body fat increases insulin resistance and thus the risk of laminitis. Horse owners should know their horse's Body Condition Score (BCS) and assess it regularly.
Horses without Pasture Acclimatization: A horse that has eaten hay throughout the winter and suddenly goes out on fresh pasture is at a particularly high risk. The intestine does not have time to adapt.
Recognizing Symptoms: These Signs You Should Know
Laminitis can develop from an early warning sign to an acute emergency within a few hours. The sooner you react, the better the prognosis.
Early signs:
- The horse relieves the front hooves, placing its legs forward
- Hesitant gait, mincing on hard ground
- Warm hooves, distinctly palpable pulse at the fetlock
- Sweating without apparent reason
- Increased respiratory rate
Clearer symptoms in advanced stages:
- The horse refuses to stand up or lies down for an unusually long time
- Pronounced lameness, especially on turns or hard ground
- The horse barely turns, as every movement causes pain
- Broad-based stance for relief
At even one of these signs: call the vet immediately. Laminitis is a veterinary emergency.
Immediate Measures in Case of Suspicion
Until the vet arrives, you can act – and possibly influence the course of the disease:
1. Immediately remove from pasture. Any further grass intake will worsen the situation.
2. Stall rest on soft ground. Deep sand, sawdust, or straw cushion the painful hooves. Hard ground should be avoided.
Tip for the recovery phase
If your horse wears a hoof boot, myFREEDM Therapy Soles can further cushion and relieve the painful hooves. The soft Infinergy® material (certified according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100) adapts to the hoof, reduces pressure pain, and supports blood circulation – ideal as a supplementary measure during the rest and rehabilitation phase. Always use in consultation with the veterinarian.
View myFREEDM Therapy Soles →3. Cool the hooves. Run cold water or ice water over the affected hooves. Cooling has a pain-relieving effect and can slow down inflammatory processes. Note: There are different opinions on cooling in specialist literature – discuss with your veterinarian whether and for how long to cool.
4. No painkillers without consultation. Painkillers can tempt the horse to move despite pain – which can worsen the situation.
5. No concentrated feed, no grass. Only hay in the usual amount until veterinary clarification.
Prevention: How to Reduce the Risk in Spring
Laminitis is avoidable in many cases. The most important measures for spring:
Start pasture turnout slowly. The German Equestrian Federation (FN) and veterinarians recommend a gradual transition over at least two weeks. Start with 15–20 minutes daily, gradually increasing the time.
Adjust pasture times. According to TiHo Hannover recommendations: In the early grazing season (May/June), the afternoon is more favorable than the morning. In the morning, fructan levels are highest after cool nights.
Feed hay before turnout. A satiated horse eats slower and less. At least 1 kg of hay per 100 kg body weight daily is a basic rule (TiHo Hannover).
Restrict pasture area. Paddock systems or grazing muzzles for at-risk horses significantly reduce grass intake.
Monitor body weight. Regular assessment of the Body Condition Score. An overweight horse should lose weight in a controlled manner – ideally before the grazing season.
Have at-risk horses checked by a veterinarian. Blood tests are useful in case of suspected EMS or PPID. Early diagnosis allows for adapted management.
Hoof Care in the Recovery Phase
Anyone who has experienced laminitis knows: recovery is a long road. The laminae must heal, the hoof horn regenerate. This process takes months – hoof horn grows about 0.5 cm per month.
In this phase, three areas play a supportive role: mechanical relief through suitable inserts, external hoof care, and internal nutrient supply. All three supplement veterinary treatment – but do not replace it.
Mechanical Relief
myFREEDM Therapy Soles
Soft Infinergy® inserts for hoof boots. Cushion pressure pain, promote circulation, and adapt to the hoof. Specifically developed for laminitis, navicular disease, and thin soles.
View now →Mechanical Relief
myFREEDM Leisure Soles
For use in rehab and on rides after laminitis recovery. Slightly flatter than the therapy sole, universally suitable for all common hoof boot models.
View now →External Hoof Care
Carr & Day & Martin
One of Europe's oldest horse care manufacturers. Hoof care products that keep the horn supple, protect against dehydration, and support the regeneration process externally.
To the collection →Nutrient Supply
FORAN Equine Supplements
Biotin, zinc, and methionine demonstrably support horn formation. Effect only after several months – starting early is worthwhile. Specifically tailored for hoof health.
To the collection →Important: Hoof care products and dietary supplements do not replace veterinary treatment. They are to be used exclusively as support during the recovery phase – always in consultation with the treating veterinarian.
Does your horse need support now?
Our product recommendations for the laminitis recovery phase – compiled by horse people for horse people.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I recognize laminitis in my horse?
Typical signs include warm hooves, a distinctly palpable pulse at the fetlock, a relieving stance with legs extended forward, and reluctance to move. In advanced stages, the horse refuses to stand up. Call the vet immediately at any suspicion – laminitis is an emergency.
Why is laminitis particularly common in spring?
In spring, pasture grass contains particularly high amounts of fructan – a rapidly fermentable carbohydrate. The content is especially high after cool nights with near-frost temperatures, followed by sunny days. A doctoral thesis from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover (TiHo, 2003) confirmed the seasonal fluctuations.
Which horses have the highest risk of laminitis?
Horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), PPID (Cushing's Syndrome), obesity, as well as ponies and hardy breeds, are particularly at risk. Horses that suddenly go out to pasture after a winter break without slow acclimatization also have an increased risk.
What can I do until the vet arrives?
Immediately remove the horse from pasture, keep it still on soft ground (sand, straw), and cool the affected hooves with cold water. No concentrated feed, no grass, no painkillers without veterinary instruction. Limit movement as much as possible.
Can a horse fully recover after laminitis?
This depends on the severity and speed of treatment. With early intervention and consistent management, extensive recovery is possible. However, horses that have suffered from laminitis once remain more susceptible throughout their lives – risk management must be permanently adapted.
How long does it take for a hoof to be healthy again after laminitis?
The hoof horn grows about 0.5 cm per month on average. Complete renewal of the hoof capsule therefore takes 12 to 18 months. Supplementary hoof care and optimized nutrient supply can support the process – but do not replace regular farrier and veterinary checks.
References
- Pferde.de: "7 Things You Should Know About Laminitis", 2025 – quotes British prevalence study (1 in 10 horses)
- Doctoral thesis Institute for Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover (TiHo), 2003 – Fructan content in pasture grasses over the seasonal course
- Chamber of Agriculture NRW / TiHo Hanover – Study: Fructans in pasture grass and laminitis risk
- CVE Impulse, Horse 2/2009 – Veterinary classification of laminitis as the second most common cause of death in horses after colic
- Dr. med. vet. C. K. Becker, Veterinary Practice for Horses – Fructan content and season, 2022
- Pododermatitis aseptica (Laminitis) – Horse Practice Rödig, Specialist Veterinary Source, 2025
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover: Feeding recommendations (Hay basic rule), published via specialist consulting website Ströh