Kate and Cherokee turned out.

[K&H Miniatures]

This evening I turned my mares out for the first time into the pasture. They have been on dry lot for a few months now and have done okay, but I finally was able to finish the fence and release them.

Here is Kate and Cherokee.

Millie and her Mommy. Millie's first time out in the pasture since being born. She was in with Cherokee and Chloe in 2 really good size lots, but this is real grass. So neat to watch them run. Some were too busy eating though, which is what miniatures do best.

 

[nootka]

Looks like they are enjoying themselves1

I'm sure you know if they've been on a dry lot, to let them gradually adjust to the grass, not put them out on it all at once.

Just a tip, I know many have learned the hard way.

Thanks for the Spring-y pics!

Liz

 

[K&H Miniatures]

Looks like they are enjoying themselves1

I'm sure you know if they've been on a dry lot, to let them gradually adjust to the grass, not put them out on it all at once.

Just a tip, I know many have learned the hard way.

Thanks for the Spring-y pics!

Liz

Two of the mares, the one with the baby and the smaller pinto mare, has been in 2 big lots that had a little bit of grass growing in it. They should be fine. Kate the other mare has been in a lot for 3 days that had some grass in it and has not had any problems. Should I be worried. I have never been told that. I am new with these guys. The only one I may be worried about would be Kate since she has not had as much grass. Let me know. I turned them out yesterday and put them back in the lot last night and turned them out this morning. They are grazing right now. I plan on putting them up every night to help protect them from unwanted critters. Should I do something different? Let me know because I don't want anything to happen. Thanks, kristy

 

[Reijel's Mom]

OH YES, YES - be worried!! Get your horses back to the dry lot right now! They may well founder from too much rich grass too fast.

It's best to start them off very, very slowly, especially on rich spring grass. Like 15-30 minute increments building up every day. And even then they may not be able to be on grass full time.

I hope your babies are ok!!

Good luck!

 

[maplegum]

I love that last photo, it's beautiful.

Spring time - wish it lasted forever.

 

[Reijel's Mom]

I hope all your kids are ok. Hope I didn't sound like a snot yesterday, I'm just always really concerned about founder - it's serious

. I do some volunteering with horse rescue and we deal with founder issues quite a bit. And just a few days ago a good friend of mine had one of her riding horses founder on spring grass, and she had been acclimating him to it slowly. Such a sad thing to happen to a good horse and even if they aren't too bad off it takes a lifetime of management if they do founder.

 

[tnovak]

Nice pics! Doing what they love the best!!!!

 

[K&H Miniatures]

I hope all your kids are ok. Hope I didn't sound like a snot yesterday, I'm just always really concerned about founder - it's serious

. I do some volunteering with horse rescue and we deal with founder issues quite a bit. And just a few days ago a good friend of mine had one of her riding horses founder on spring grass, and she had been acclimating him to it slowly. Such a sad thing to happen to a good horse and even if they aren't too bad off it takes a lifetime of management if they do founder.

I always welcome the information. They are doing just fine. The grass is prairie grass and nothing really rich, but it is nutrient enough. They are only out for about 8 hours and then up in the lot the rest of the time. Thanks though. I know that horses can be really prone to that. I am going to be watching them really closely. If they are gaining too much I will have to cut back on their time on grass or pellets at night one. Thanks, Kristy