Why is fresh cut grass bad for horse’s?
I’ve read this before a long time ago and always avoid letting my horse eat fresh cut grass but is there a reason why it is bad? I always assumed it was bad if a neighbour put their grass cuttings in by your horse it could have chemicals or gas from the lawn mower in it and that’s why it is bad, is that true? Or is their another reason?
The reason I ask is because last summer we moved my horse out to my own farm. We have the pasture divided into four sections and after my horse and our Llama are out on a section and eat all the good grass we want to mow the grass to get rid of any grass they don’t want to eat or and weeds that might pop up before they can seed. Is it Okay to still ride in the pasture after they are on a different one and it is cut? Or do I need to avoid it all together?
Thanks,
Emem
Cut grass fements as it breaks down in their belly and creates gas which is extremely painful. The horse may then try to roll on the ground to relieve the pain and end up twisting his gut – which can only be treated by an expensive operation or by putting the horse down. Or the horse may thrash around, kicking itself and cause itself an injury that way.
I have problems every summer with people dumping their grass cuttings in my field. People think its not dissimilar to hay, but hay has been dried out and is no longer fermenting.
As long as they don’t eat it your horses should be fine.
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