Hold your horses

Avoiding hasty decisions can head off equine health issues during the Covid-19 pandemic, says Andrea Oakes

- Andrea Oakes

EMERGING from the coronavirus crisis with a happy, healthy horse means thinking carefully about his management regime throughout the weeks ahead. While your decisions may be dictated by your own physical and financial circumstances, along with the current movement restrictions placed upon vets and farriers, it’s worth considering the long-term implications of what you do right now.

To help guide you, we’ve put some frequently asked healthcare questions to a panel of experts…

SHOULD I OPEN FIELDS EARLY TO SIMPLIFY MANAGEMENT?

IT’S tempting to turn horses out to save money and time, but bear in mind the season, says Lesley Barwise-Munro MRCVS.

“There may be more wet weather ahead and fields could become poached,” she warns. “It’s worth preserving land a while longer, if you can, especially in the north where harsh weather can persist into April.

“Laminitis is a real risk as spring grass comes through,” adds Lesley, who advises strict management of grass intake for animals in good body condition or those with laminitic tendencies.

“Grass sickness can also be a danger at this time of year in certain parts of the UK and on properties with a history of the disease. While partial stabling reduces the risk, as does supplementary feeding with haylage, be careful about increasing grazing – especially if moving horses to new fields.”

CAN I DELAY ROUTINE HEALTHCARE?