How to Feed Lawn Grass to Horses

Feeding lawn grass seems like a simple concept, but allowing horses access to fresh grass too soon or too often can result in colic or laminitis. Colic is abdominal pain in horses, which may result in death or complications requiring surgery. Laminitis, or founder, is inflammation of the laminae of the hooves, which may cause chronic lameness. All changes to a horse's diet must be made gradually over time to avoid colic. Lawn grass should be introduced slowly in the spring or summer to give your horse's digestive system adequate time to adjust to the change.

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your horse in his normal stall, paddock or pasture at night, and anytime he is not grazing.

    • 2

      Ensure the area of lawn you will allow your horse to graze is adequately enclosed, either with temporary fencing for limited access or permanent fencing.

    • 3

      Provide access to fresh, clean water in the area your horse will be grazing.

    • 4

      Allow your horse access to the lawn grass for 15 minutes a day for three days.

    • 5

      Increase the time you allow your horse to graze by 10 minutes every other day.

    • 6

      Observe your horse carefully each day for signs of lameness or stomach discomfort.