HorsesByNet.com: Horse Care: Feeding: Grass Clippings

Home


	MAIN INDEX	SEARCH POSTS	WHO'S ONLINE	LOG IN

Home: Horse Care: Feeding:
Grass Clippings

boboren
Member

May 7, 2007, 3:42 PM

Post #1 of 3 (941 views)
Shortcut

Grass Clippings	Can't Post

I have read and understand that grass clippings from a mower bag should not be fed to horses. However, is there any danger if I cut some grass, rake it up and put it on the ground by hand so that there are not any clumps for them to eat.

I currently have grassed two areas and while the grass is starting to grow, I keep the horses off it and their intake is all hay plus the very, very little grass in the area by the stable. I mow other grass areas and did take some directly to the two horses after mowing a little, and spread it over the ground and they would eat it.

Should this action be discontinued? Will I put them in danger of colic or laminitis by doing this.

Bob Oren
Semper Fi

EasyGoin
New Member

Jun 6, 2007, 3:05 PM

Post #2 of 3 (917 views)
Shortcut

Re: [boboren] Grass Clippings [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Bob,

My wife feeds grass clippings to everything, cows, horses, and chickens. We've not had any problems yet. When you are spreading it around between many critters no one gets very much, so it's more like a treat/small snack than a meal. I think it may have to do with the amount, or how wet or dry it is.

Her Uncle does as well, and he is a cattle rancher in Eastern Washington and uses his horses all the time. So much in fact that he changes his horse mid day for a fresh one. They really get worked hard. Another friend says you shouldn't. So the choice is yours, I guess.

Mark4510
Silver Member

Jun 13, 2007, 8:22 PM

Post #3 of 3 (896 views)
Shortcut

Re: [EasyGoin] Grass Clippings [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Bob,
As with many things the answer is....it depends. Things to consider:
1. What type of grass is it. Some do not sit well with our equine friends. You can look it up but I think tall fascue is not good for them ( I would have to re educate myself on this)
2. too much of a good thing can be a problem and Laminitis is one of them but this is true for most types of feeds
3. make sure its consumable. dont feed it to them if the feed looks moldy.

Pasture forage is the best thing for them in moderation. Assuming you mean lawn clippings I would be more inclined to err on the side of caution but thats me....

Mark

Search for (options)