Last updated: February 24, 2026
Spring Grass & Metabolic Risk
Lush spring grass is often high in fructans and can rapidly trigger laminitis or digestive upset in metabolic horses and easy keepers.
Immediate Action: If your horse shows signs of abdominal pain or foot tenderness, review what to do when your horse colics and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Educational content only — not veterinary medical advice. See full disclaimer below.
After a hard Louisiana rain—the kind that keeps horses stalled for three days—watching my Thoroughbreds drop their heads and graze told me everything about why grass matters. Grass for horses isn’t just feed; it’s the fiber foundation of a healthy hindgut, a behavioral outlet, and the forage base every other feeding decision is built on.
I’m Miles Henry (LA license #67012), and I’ve managed Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses out of Folsom for 30+ years—Fair Grounds, Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, and Louisiana Downs. This guide shows you how to choose the right grass, manage rotation, and prevent metabolic and digestive issues, using lessons from 30 years in the barn alongside NRC and AAEP guidelines.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Test soil & forage annually—you can’t manage what you don’t measure. Equi-Analytical packages start at $28.
- Match grass to climate framework below.
- Avoid overgrazing—keep grass ≥3–4 inches; rotate based on size (daily small paddocks, 2–4 weeks large pastures)
- Hay in dormancy (1.5–2% BW)—hay guide.
- Metabolic horses: NSC <10–12% [KER].
- Laminitis/colic signs? Call vet immediately.
For a broader look at what horses eat beyond pasture, see our complete what horses eat guide.
Grass Selection Decision Framework
| Choosing the Right Grass for Your Situation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Horse/Climate Situation | Recommended Grass Type | Why It Works |
| Metabolic horses (IR / Easy Keepers) | Low-NSC varieties (Teff or Dry-lot) | Reduces sugar intake; NSC target <10%. |
| Broodmares (Late Gestation/Lactation) | Legume-Grass blend (Alfalfa/Orchard) | Provides critical protein and calcium for foal development. |
| Hot, humid climate (Gulf South) | Warm-season (Bermuda or Bahia) | Drought-tolerant; high yield in heat. |
| Cool, wet regions (Northeast/NW) | Cool-season (Timothy or Orchard) | Thrives in cooler soil; high palatability. |
| Overgrazed/Poor Soil | Hardy Transition Grasses (Tall Fescue) | Deep roots; resists traffic. MUST be endophyte-free variety — toxic to broodmares. |
Swipe → to compare Selection vs. Safety Actions
| When to Limit Grazing & Safety Protocols | ||
|---|---|---|
| Risk Category | Skip or Limit If… | Required Safety Action |
| Metabolic horses | Skip all lush spring flush | Use grazing muzzle or dry-lot during spring flush and cold-night/sunny-day weather patterns. |
| Broodmares | Endophyte-infected fescue is present | Remove from fescue 60-90 days before foaling; call vet if bag doesn’t fill. |
| Extreme Heat/Drought | Grass is under 3 inches in height | Stop grazing to prevent root death; move to hay in dry-lot. |
| Spring/Fall Flush | Temps dip below 40°F then sunny | Restrict grazing; cold nights + sunny days spike sugar levels. |
Lessons from the Barn
Thirty years of managing horses at tracks and on pastures across Louisiana have given me more lessons than I can count. Each story below includes a risk level badge so you know at a glance how serious the consequence was.
One April, after a cool wet spring, I put my horses back on a pasture that had been resting all winter. The grass was lush and knee-high, but within 48 hours, one of my older Quarter Horse mares was walking tender on her front feet. We caught early-stage laminitis just in time. The culprit was high fructan content during the rapid spring flush. Research confirms that fructan fermentation in the hindgut can disrupt blood supply to the hoof [KER Research].
VET ALERT: Laminitis Warning Signs
If your horse shows foot tenderness, heat in the hooves, or reluctance to walk normally after increased pasture access, call your vet immediately. Learn more about founder causes and prevention.
I once managed a property with a single paddock grazed continuously for two years. The horses developed chronic parasite loads because the grass was grazed down to the roots. It took a full season of rest and rotational grazing to restore the soil health and break the parasite cycle.
A horse returning to work after stall rest was turned out on rich clover. He developed loose manure and gas colic symptoms within 24 hours. The hindgut microbiome needs time to adjust to forage changes. Leading equine nutrition guidelines recommend gradual transitions to prevent digestive upset [KER Research].
I once tried to establish a cool-season fescue pasture in a deep southern climate. It looked great in the winter but died by July heat. My local extension agent helped me switch to Bermuda and Bahia, which are designed for heat and humidity. You can find regional forage guides through university extension programs [NCSU Extension].
Swipe → to see full 10-Day Schedule
| 10-Day Spring Pasture Transition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Turnout Time | Key Action |
| 1 | 15–30 min | Hand-graze or small paddock only. Watch for loose manure or behavioral changes. |
| 2 | 30 min | Turnout before 10 AM—sugar levels are lowest in early morning. |
| 3 | 45 min | Feed hay first so the horse isn’t ravenous for grass. |
| 4 | 60 min | Check digital pulses and hoof heat on easy keepers and metabolic horses. |
| 5 | 90 min | First significant jump. Split into two sessions if horse is sensitive. |
| 6 | 2 hrs | Use a grazing muzzle on lush pasture for the full duration. |
| 7 | 3 hrs | Monitor manure consistency—loose stools mean the hindgut needs more time. |
| 8 | 4 hrs | Keep timing consistent. Skipping days means restarting. |
| 9 | 5–6 hrs | Begin moving toward your target daily turnout window. |
| 10+ | Full schedule | Transition complete. Continue monitoring during cold-night/sunny-day weather. |
Metabolic horses and easy keepers: Hold each step 2–3 days before advancing. When in doubt, stay at the lower limit and consult your vet.
Why Grass Is Essential for Horses
Horses are hindgut fermenters. Their digestive system evolved around one job: processing large quantities of fibrous forage—primarily grass—throughout most of the day. Research published in the NIH’s PubMed Central confirms that horses require a minimum of 1.5–2% of body weight in forage daily, based on NRC equine nutrition guidelines developed over decades. When we pull horses off pasture and move them to grain-heavy programs, we’re working against that biology. The consequences show up as colic, behavioral issues, gastric ulcers, and poor metabolic health.
Digestive health. The fiber in grass—particularly cellulose and hemicellulose—feeds the beneficial bacteria in the cecum and large colon. Without adequate long-stem forage, that hindgut engine misfires. The AAEP recommends that horses have continuous access to forage where possible, noting that restriction to less than 1% body weight significantly increases colic risk.
Energy and nutrition. Quality grass provides digestible energy through fermentation of cellulose, meaningful protein (8–14% crude protein depending on type and maturity), vitamins A, E, and K, and a range of minerals. It’s not a complete feed on its own, but it’s the foundation everything else is built on.
Behavioral health. Horses are designed to graze 16–18 hours a day. When they can’t, you see stereotypies like cribbing, weaving, wood chewing, and aggression. University of Kentucky extension research confirms that restricted grazing time correlates with increased stereotypic behavior in stabled horses. Even a few hours of daily turnout makes a measurable difference.
Swipe → to see Nutritional Ranges
| Nutritional Components of Fresh Pasture | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| What Grass Provides | Benefit to Horse | Typical Range | Source |
| Long-stem fiber | Hindgut fermentation and motility | 28–40% NDF | NRC (2007) |
| Crude protein | Muscle repair and enzyme function | 8–16% (varies by species) | NRC Data |
| Carbohydrates | Energy; potential metabolic risk | 8–20% NSC | KER Research |
| Vitamins A, E, K | Immune function and vision | High in fresh; drops in dormancy | NRC Forage Data |
| Water content | Hydration support | 70–80% moisture | Rutgers Study |
Pasture vs. hay reality. Fresh grass and hay are not nutritionally equivalent, even from the same plant species. Fresh grass has much higher water content, higher vitamin levels, and different fermentation characteristics. During our Louisiana summers when Bermuda is actively growing, my horses on good pasture need significantly less supplemental hay. Come December when the grass goes dormant, that equation flips completely.
Different Types of Grass for Horses
The first question isn’t “what’s the best grass?”—it’s “what grows well in my climate and meets my horses’ needs?” Your geography answers most of it.
Regional Grass Zones for U.S. Horse Pastures
This map illustrates the primary climate zones for forage. Performance varies by soil type and moisture. For custom seeding recommendations, use the USDA Service Center Locator to find your local agent.
Cool-Season Grasses
Cool-season grasses grow best between 60–75°F. They peak in spring and fall, go semi-dormant in summer heat, and handle winter better than warm-season varieties.
Timothy. The gold standard for many horse owners. Palatable, lower in protein and NSC than legumes—good for maintenance horses and easy keepers. Best in well-drained soils in cooler climates. Not suited for the Gulf South.
Orchardgrass. Faster-growing than Timothy, more heat-tolerant, higher protein. Horses love it. Better for performance horses, but watch it in metabolic animals during spring flush.
Kentucky Bluegrass. Dense, persistent sod—good for heavy traffic areas. Lower yield, but horses graze it readily.
Annual Ryegrass. Fast to establish, highly palatable, and excellent as a winter overseeding option in the South. Not a perennial—needs annual reseeding. High protein in early growth; watch fructan spikes in cold snaps.
Cool-season grasses accumulate fructan rapidly during cold nights followed by sunny days—a pattern common in spring and fall. For horses with metabolic conditions, pasture NSC
Warm-Season Grasses
Warm-season grasses thrive between 80–95°F and are the primary choice across the Southeast, Gulf Coast, Southwest, and transition zones. They go dormant in winter—plan your hay supplementation strategy before that happens.
Bermudagrass. The backbone of Southern horse pastures. High yield, drought-tolerant, and horses eat it well when properly managed. Varieties like Tifton 85, Coastal, and Alicia offer better nutritional profiles and palatability than common Bermuda. Hybrid varieties must be sprigged, not seeded. NC State extension research shows Tifton 85 can produce 6–8 tons/acre with proper fertility management—substantially more than common Bermuda.
Bahiagrass. More drought-tolerant than Bermuda and lower-maintenance. Establishes from seed, handles poor soils. Lower nutritional value than Bermuda, but a solid choice for difficult ground. My horses graze it when nothing better is available.
Teff Grass. An annual warm-season grass popular for metabolic horses. Low in NSC and sugar, high in digestible fiber—a smart option for insulin-resistant horses. Must be replanted annually.
Swipe → to compare Grass Types and Nutrients
| Common Pasture Grass Comparison for Horses | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Type | Season | Protein | Typical NSC | Best For | Resource |
| Timothy | Cool | 8–10% | 10–12% | Easy keepers, seniors | PennState Forage Data |
| Orchardgrass | Cool | 10–14% | 11–15% | Performance horses | UMD Forage Selection |
| Bermudagrass | Warm | 10–13% | 8–12% | General use (South) | NCSU Extension |
| Bahiagrass | Warm | 8–10% | 7–10% | Low-maintenance | UF IFAS Bahiagrass Guide |
| Teff Grass | Warm (annual) | 8–11% | 6–9% (Low) | Metabolic /
IR
Insulin Resistance: horse cannot regulate blood sugar normally; linked to laminitis.
|
UNR Teff Analysis |
| Annual Ryegrass | Cool (annual) | 12–16% | 15–25% (High) | Winter grazing | KER Fructan Data |
Forage Testing Results: What to Expect from Your Lab Report
This table gives you real-world benchmarks to compare against your pasture or hay forage lab results. Values vary by growth stage, fertility, and season—test annually and after any significant pasture change.
Swipe → to see Detailed Forage Nutrients
| Forage Analysis: Typical Nutritional Ranges | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass / Forage | Crude Protein | NSC (Sugar+Starch) | NDF (Fiber) | Safe for Metabolic? | Notes |
| Coastal Bermuda (summer) | 10–13% | 8–12% | 68–75% | Generally yes | Values drop in winter dormancy; standard Southern forage |
| Timothy (1st cutting) | 8–10% | 10–12% | 60–65% | Generally yes | Lower protein; ideal for maintenance and easy keepers |
| Orchardgrass (spring flush) | 12–16% | 14–20% (High) | 52–60% | No — test required | Spikes sharply in spring; restrict for at-risk horses |
| Teff Grass | 8–11% | 6–9% (Low) | 55–65% | Yes — best option | Bred specifically for low sugar; annual reseeding required |
| Annual Ryegrass (fall/cold) | 14–18% | 18–28% (High) | 45–55% | No — high risk | Fructan accumulates in cold weather; limit access |
| Mixed grass-legume pasture | 12–18% | 10–18% | 40–60% | Varies — test first | Legumes drive protein up; higher management required |
| Target for At-Risk Horses | 8–12% ideal | Less than 10-12% | Greater than 55% | Yes | Follows standard equine nutrition safety thresholds |
Pasture Management and Timeline
Good grass doesn’t happen by accident. Here’s the seasonal rhythm I follow, broken into clear action steps per phase.
Swipe → to see Seasonal Management Steps
| Seasonal Pasture Management Calendar | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase | Timeframe | Action Steps | Safety Protocol |
| Spring Establishment | March–May |
1. Soil test (pH target 6.0–6.5) 2. Seed or overseed as needed 3. Apply fertilizer per soil results 4. Control weeds before they establish 5. Wait for 6–8 inch growth before grazing |
Restrict lush turnout for at-risk horses; monitor for early signs of laminitis. |
| Summer Growth | June–August |
1. Rotate paddocks every 3–5 days 2. Rest paddocks 21–30 days minimum 3. Mow to prevent seed head maturity 4. Scout for toxic weed encroachment 5. Provide continuous fresh water |
Watch for drought-stressed sorghum or johnsongrass; monitor for signs of colic. |
| Fall Maintenance | September–November |
1. Overseed with winter ryegrass (South) 2. Conduct fecal egg counts; deworm per results 3. Apply post-season fertilizer if needed 4. Control late-season weed growth 5. Begin hay supplementation as growth slows |
Monitor for fructan sensitivity during cold snaps; avoid overgrazing into dormancy. |
| Winter Dormancy | December–February |
1. Shift primary forage to quality hay 2. Limit turnout on frozen or saturated ground 3. Allow paddocks full rest for spring recovery 4. Monitor body condition scores monthly 5. Adjust caloric intake to maintain weight |
Ensure water sources do not freeze; check for unexplained weight loss. |
Avoid sorghum, sudangrass, and johnsongrass in horse pastures, as these can cause prussic acid poisoning and cystitis syndrome. If you are unsure of the species in your field, consult a professional to identify toxic grasses before grazing. Call your vet immediately if you notice unusual urination patterns, hind limb weakness, or stumbling.
For hay supplementation during dormancy, see our guide on how to choose hay for your horse. And if you’re using hay nets to extend feeding time and reduce waste, our hay nets for horses guide covers all the options.
Year-Round Grazing Schedule by Horse Type
This table gives you practical baseline schedules by horse type. These are starting points—adjust based on body condition, forage test results, and your vet’s guidance.
Swipe → to see Turnout Recommendations by Horse Type
| Seasonal Turnout & Supplementation Guidelines | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horse Type | Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter | Supplements |
| Maintenance / Pleasure | • Limit 2–4 hrs/day on lush pasture | • Free-choice on managed pasture | • Begin hay as grass slows | • Hay 1.5–2% BW | • Mineral salt block year-round |
| Performance / Racehorse | • 1–3 hrs; limit rich spring flush | • 2–4 hrs; use concentrate feeds | • Supplement hay + concentrate | • Turnout as footing allows | • Electrolytes + balanced concentrate |
| Broodmares | • Free-choice on quality pasture | • Monitor protein intake | • Free-choice + supplement | • Quality hay at 2% BW | NRC: Ca/P levels |
| Easy Keepers / Metabolic | • Restrict to 1 hr • Use grazing muzzle |
• 2–3 hrs on low-NSC grass | • Restrict as fall NSC rises | • Tested low-NSC hay <10% | • Vet-guided metabolic support |
| Seniors (20+) | • Free-choice if dentition good | • Watch for heat-related weight loss | • Monitor body condition | • Senior hay or soaked cubes | • Dental exam 2×/year |
| Foals / Yearlings | • Free-choice with dam | • Creep feed as needed | • Monitor growth rate | • Quality hay + growth formula | NRC: Protein/Mineral balance |
Prevention Tips and Common Risks
Managing pasture grass is as much about avoiding problems as it is about growing good forage. The value of good grass shifts significantly by horse type: pleasure and trail horses on quality pasture can meet most of their nutritional needs with minimal supplementation, while racehorses, barrel horses, and broodmares in late pregnancy will always need concentrates and tested hay on top of whatever the pasture provides. Metabolic horses and easy keepers need the most careful management of all—lush pasture can do them real harm.
Overgrazing. The most common pasture mistake. Horses selectively graze best areas bare, leaving manure-rich spots untouched. Consequences: patchy forage, high parasite loads, weed invasion, and muddy footing that increases soft tissue injury risk. My rule of thumb: maintain at least 3–4 inches of grass height and rest paddocks 3–4 weeks before regrazing.
Toxic grasses and plants. Sorghum and johnsongrass can cause prussic acid poisoning or cystitis syndrome. Endophyte-infected fescue causes serious problems in pregnant mares—prolonged gestation and foal development issues. Know what’s growing in your pasture. Your county extension agent can identify it for free. Don’t guess.
Laminitis from rich grass. Rapidly growing grass—especially cool-season varieties in spring, or any grass after a warm-rain flush—can contain high levels of NSC and fructan. Research links fructan-induced hindgut acidosis directly to the lamellar disruption that causes laminitis. Restrict pasture access during high-risk periods, use a grazing muzzle if needed, and call your vet at the first sign of trouble. See our article on the benefits of using grazing muzzles.
Soil and forage testing. I test my soil annually in the fall and send forage samples to a certified lab at least once a year—more often if I’m noticing performance or condition changes. Equi-Analytical is the lab I recommend most often—their horse forage panels run $25–60 and give you NSC, protein, and mineral breakdowns you can actually act on. Land-grant university extension labs are another affordable option.
When hay beats grass. During dormancy, after drought stress, or when pasture quality is unknown, quality hay is the safer and more predictable choice. Our how to choose hay for your horse guide covers every decision point.
Emergency Quick Reference: Laminitis and Colic Signs
If your horse shows any of the following after pasture access, act immediately. These conditions are time-sensitive emergencies. This checklist is for quick reference only—it does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
Emergency Action Checklist — Call Your Vet Immediately If You See:
Signs of Laminitis (Founder)
- Reluctance to walk or bear weight on front feet
- Rocking back onto hindquarters (“sawhorse” stance)
- Heat in the hoof wall or coronary band
- Strong or bounding digital pulse in the lower leg
- Horse lying down more than usual, unwilling to rise
Protocol: Remove from pasture immediately. Do not force movement. Learn more about what causes founder.
Signs of Colic
- Pawing at the ground or looking at the flank
- Rolling or repeatedly lying down and rising
- Sweating without exertion
- Elevated heart rate (>48 bpm at rest)
- Absent or reduced gut sounds
- Not interested in food or water
Protocol: Remove feed. Call your vet before administering medication. Follow these AAEP Colic Guidelines.
More from Our Nutrition Hub
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is grass essential for horses?
Horses evolved as hindgut fermenters—their digestive system is built around continuous consumption of fibrous forage, primarily grass. The NRC’s Nutrient Requirements of Horses establishes a minimum of 1.5–2% of body weight in forage daily for gut health. Grass provides long-stem fiber for gut motility, protein for muscle maintenance, energy through fermentation, vitamins, and the extended grazing time horses need for behavioral health. Restricting access contributes to ulcers, colic, stereotypic behaviors, and poor metabolic health.
What are the different types of grass for horses?
There are two main categories: cool-season grasses (Timothy, Orchardgrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Annual Ryegrass) that thrive at 60–75°F and are standard in the Northeast, Midwest, and higher elevations; and warm-season grasses (Bermudagrass, Bahiagrass, Teff) that grow best at 80–95°F and dominate the South and Southeast. Your climate determines which category makes sense. Within each, variety selection depends on soil, your horses’ needs, and your management capacity.
Can too much grass harm a horse?
Yes—this is one of the most important things horse owners need to understand. Lush, rapidly growing grass can contain high levels of NSC and fructan. Research has linked fructan fermentation in the hindgut directly to the vascular disruption that causes laminitis. Sudden increases in pasture access after stall rest can also cause digestive upset. Always introduce pasture gradually, restrict access during high-risk growth periods, and call your vet immediately if you see signs of lameness or colic.
How do I choose the right grass for my pasture?
Start with your climate—warm-season grasses for the South, cool-season grasses for northern regions, or a mix in transition zones. Then consider your horses’ needs: metabolic horses need low-NSC varieties like Teff; performance horses can handle higher-protein options like Orchardgrass. Test your soil before seeding—pH target 6.0–6.5, with phosphorus and potassium levels to guide fertilization. Your local agricultural extension office is your best free resource for regionally appropriate variety recommendations.
Is Bermudagrass good for horses?
Yes—Bermudagrass is one of the best warm-season pasture grasses for horses in the South. It’s drought-tolerant, high-yielding, and horses graze it readily when well-managed. Improved varieties like Tifton 85, Coastal, and Alicia offer better nutritional profiles and palatability than common Bermuda. The main limitation is winter dormancy—you’ll need to supplement with hay or overseed with annual ryegrass during cool months. NC State extension data shows Tifton 85 yields 6–8 tons/acre with proper management.
When should I test my pasture grass?
Test your soil annually—fall is best so you can amend before spring growth. Test your forage (the actual grass) at least once per year, or whenever you notice changes in your horses’ weight, coat, or performance. For metabolic horses, test more frequently—especially in spring and after heavy rain when NSC levels can spike. Equi-Analytical horse forage panels run $25–60 and provide NSC, protein, and mineral data.
Can horses graze all year?
In most climates, no. Warm-season grasses go dormant in winter; cool-season grasses slow significantly in summer heat. In some mild regions with good management and mixed species, near-year-round grazing is possible. In Louisiana, I use ryegrass overseeding to extend green grazing through winter, but I still supplement hay from December through February. Most horses in most climates need supplemental hay for at least part of the year.
What if my horse won’t eat certain grass?
Horses can be selective, and grass palatability varies by species, maturity, and preference. Overmature or stemmy grass is often rejected. If a horse consistently avoids a pasture, check grass maturity (mow to refresh growth), inspect for weeds or manure, and evaluate overall forage quality. Never let horses eat fresh grass clippings.
The Bottom Line
The Bottom Line: 30 Years of Management Wisdom
Grass is the most natural, most important feed your horse will ever eat—but only when it’s the right type, in the right condition, and managed with intention. Match your grass variety to your climate and your horses’ metabolic needs. Test your soil and forage annually so you’re supplementing facts, not guesses. Rotate your pastures, never let them go bare, and have a hay plan ready before dormancy hits. And no matter how well you know your horses, if you see signs of laminitis or colic after a pasture change—stop guessing and call your vet. The cost of that call is nothing compared to what’s at stake.
Continue learning: How to Choose Hay | What Horses Eat | Founder in Horses
Sources and Further Reading
Research Citations and References
- NRC 2007 — National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Horses, 6th Revised Edition. National Academies Press. nap.nationalacademies.org
- AAEP — American Association of Equine Practitioners. Equine Nutrition and Health Guidelines. aaep.org/horse-health
- Pollitt 2004 — Pollitt, C.C. “Equine laminitis: a revised pathophysiology.” Proceedings of the AAEP. Reference Summary via KER
- NCSU Ext. — North Carolina State University Extension. Forage Management for Horses. content.ces.ncsu.edu
- UK Ext. — University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. Equine Pasture Management. equine.ca.uky.edu
Veterinary Disclaimer — Please Read
- Not veterinary advice. This article is written by Miles Henry, a licensed Louisiana racehorse owner (license #67012) with 30+ years of experience. He is not a veterinarian, and nothing in this article constitutes veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
- Health decisions require a vet. All decisions regarding your horse’s health, diet, and grazing management should be made in consultation with a licensed equine veterinarian who can evaluate your specific horse’s condition.
- Emergency situations. If your horse shows signs of laminitis, colic, or any acute health change after pasture access, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not rely on online resources, including this article, in an emergency.
- Citation accuracy. Referenced sources (NRC, AAEP, NCSU) are linked to their original publications. Readers are encouraged to consult these primary sources directly. Research in equine nutrition continues to evolve; always check for updated guidelines.
- Regional variation. Forage quality, grass species performance, and management recommendations vary significantly by region, climate, and soil type. Consult your local agricultural extension service for region-specific guidance.
About Miles Henry
Racehorse Owner & Author | 30+ Years in Thoroughbred Racing
Miles Henry (legal name: William Bradley) is a professional horseman based in Folsom, Louisiana. He holds Louisiana Racing License #67012 and has spent over three decades managing Thoroughbreds at premier tracks including Fair Grounds, Delta Downs, and Evangeline Downs.
Expertise & Hands-On Experience: Beyond the track, Miles has decades of experience in specialized equine care, covering everything from hoof health and nutrition to training protocols for Quarter Horses, Friesians, and Paints. Every guide on Horse Racing Sense is rooted in this “boots-on-the-ground” perspective.
30 of their last 90 starts
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