By Anita Prowse
Well, the days are getting just a fraction longer and some milder temperatures are appearing, which means there is possibly an end to the mud and the grass growth rate will now speed up quite dramatically from June.
Please keep this in mind when feeding and paddocking those with insulin issues, founder- prone ponies and those older furry friends. The new growth will be quite potent this year. Also remember Spring grass has a relatively low percentage of fibre, which is so important to equine digestive health. Therefore a change from the much more fibrous hay can cause digestive upset.
Due to both the change in diet from the winter ration and the naturally lower fibre level of spring grass, even with careful management, it is not unusual to see digestive upset at this time. Spring grass is recognised as a risk for issues such as diarrhoea.
A reminder to those wishing to join Pony Club at this halfway point through the year, PCV has announced pro-rata insurance fees from now on.
Always excellent for spectators, the Prince Phillip Mounted Games Teams Challenge will be held on August 6 2023, we wish all those entering the best of luck, and may your cheer squads be loud.
Bookings for Club hire of Wesburn Park Equestrian Facilities for 2024 are filling up fast already, so if you are planning any events within your Clubs, please get in early for date preferences. All enquiries to anita.horses@gmail.com
