Spring fever in horses is a term used to describe mood and behavioural changes in equines during … well, spring. Our equine companions are sensitive creatures, reacting to even the slightest adjustment to their diet, environment, or weather conditions.
With the arrival of spring (finally), you might be noticing some changes in your horse’s energy levels. This is called spring fever and is entirely normal but, as it can present some challenges, you’ll be glad to know that there are some steps you can take to support your horse. The experts from Horse & Country share their 10 top tips for soothing an anxious or excitable horse at this time of year.
What is spring fever?
During spring, many horse owners observe more anxious or excitable behaviour in their horses. Their horse may spook more easily, start bucking, seem distracted, or refuse to cooperate, which can make riding and training a bit more of a challenge.
While this phenomenon might seem strange, it could be down to something as simple as diet. Research has shown that the sugar content in grass is highest in early spring, while the magnesium content is lowest at this time of year. As your horse grazes on the fresh grass shoots, the higher sugar levels give them an energy boost, which manifests in more erratic, excitable, or anxious behaviour. Similarly, low magnesium levels in horses may also cause them to become more nervous, sensitive, or fizzy.
Other changes during spring could also contribute to over-excited behaviour. After a period of stabling and training indoors over winter, your horse may be enjoying their increased freedom and open spaces.
10 tips for helping a horse with spring fever
If your horse usually displays symptoms of spring fever or you’re already starting to notice signs, there are a few things you can do to help support your horse, calm them down, and reduce the effects.
- Introduce changes gradually: As with any change in your horse’s diet or environment, try to ease them into the season gradually. Slowly introduce spring grass into your horse’s diet while continuing to feed them hay.
- Limit grazing on spring grasses: To stop your horse from consuming too much spring grass, limit their grazing time and gradually increase it as the season goes on. You can use a grazing muzzle for a few hours to reduce the amount of spring grass they consume.
- Allow grazing in the morning or evening: Research has shown that the carbohydrate content in grass is lowest in the early morning or evening, so scheduling grazing during these times of the day could help reduce your horse’s sugar intake.
- Introduce a supplement: In some cases, it may help to add a magnesium supplement or salt block to your horse’s diet to help top up their magnesium levels. Just be sure to consult a vet before making any changes to your horse’s diet.
- Ensure adequate exercise: Often, all an over-excited horse needs is time to burn off their excess energy. Make sure your horse is given plenty of time to exercise, whether you give them time to run around in the pasture or work them a little more during training.
- Give your horse time to warm up: If training has become a challenge due to spring fever, try riding your horse in the afternoon instead. This gives them time to warm up in the field and burn off excess energy. Another option is to lunge your horse for five to 10 minutes on each side before starting training.
- Provide mental stimulation: Try to incorporate extra enrichment activities into your training routine, such as obstacle courses and groundwork exercises, to keep your horse engaged and reduce signs of boredom. Similarly, adding puzzle toys to their stable can provide mental stimulation even while resting, which can make them more cooperative while riding.
- Stick to a consistent routine: Although switching up the way you ride can help your horse concentrate, try to stick to a consistent routine in other aspects of their life. Maintaining a regular feeding, turnout, and exercise schedule can provide stability and predictability for your horse, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety.
- Ensure a comfortable environment: Alongside dietary changes, spring can also bring weather changes so it’s worth taking some time to assess your horse’s current stabling. Check that it’s a comfortable temperature and that there is sufficient ventilation. Make sure to monitor these too as conditions change each day.
- Speak to a vet: If you’re at all worried about your horse’s behaviour, make sure you speak to a vet. They can check them over for any potential health conditions that could be leading to their behavioural changes. They can also advise on any other steps you can take to soothe your horse.
Katie Allen-Clarke from Horse & Country commented:
“Keep monitoring your horse’s behaviour throughout the season and try to work with their moods. If they’re a bit too restless or anxious, don’t force them into a ride. Instead, listen to your horse and take a day off. You can use this time to bond with them instead. A nice grooming session can help keep your horse calm, as well as strengthen your relationship, making them more likely to respond once you’re ready to ride.”
