For many horses, turnout is an important part of daily life. Grass provides movement, natural foraging behaviour and often hours of enjoyment in the field. However, many horse owners know that a lush green pasture sometimes requires more attention than you might expect.
Many horse owners recognise the situation: the grass suddenly looks greener, the weather changes quickly, or a horse gains weight faster than expected during spring or autumn. At first sight, the pasture may look healthy and safe. But what is happening inside the grass can be just as important as how the field looks from the outside.
But what does that actually mean? What exactly is fructan? When does it occur? And why are more horse owners paying attention to weather conditions before turning their horses out?
What Is Fructan?
Fructan is a natural sugar reserve that is produced and stored by grass.
Grass uses sunlight to generate energy. When it produces more energy than it needs for growth, part of that energy is stored as fructan. For grass, this is a smart survival strategy. For horses, however, a high intake of fructan may be less desirable, particularly for horses that are sensitive to metabolic issues or laminitis.
That is why fructan has become an important topic in modern horse management.
When Does Grass Contain High Levels of Fructan?
Many horse owners believe fructan is mainly a summer issue. In reality, several factors influence fructan levels. Grass produces fructan when it receives plenty of sunlight but is unable to grow efficiently.
This can occur during:
- Cold nights followed by sunny days
- Periods of drought
- Poor or nutrient-deficient grassland
- Closely grazed pastures
- Strong spring growth
- Autumn regrowth
- As a result, fructan levels can become surprisingly high during both spring and autumn.
Why Are Cold Nights So Important?
A sunny spring day may seem perfect for horses, but the conditions beforehand are often what matter most. During the day, grass produces energy through photosynthesis. Normally, this energy is used for growth. However, when temperatures drop significantly overnight, grass growth slows down.
The result? More energy remains stored in the form of fructan.This is why sunny days following cold nights can lead to higher fructan levels than many horse owners expect.
What Is the Fructan Index?
More and more horse owners are following the fructan index. The fructan index is not an exact measurement of fructan levels in a specific pasture. Instead, it is a prediction based on factors such as:
- Temperature
- Hours of sunshine
- Rainfall
- Growing conditions
The index provides insight into the likelihood of elevated fructan levels in grass. Many horse owners use this information as a helpful tool when planning turnout and managing horses that may be more sensitive.
Why Does Fructan Receive So Much Attention?
Not every horse responds to fructan in the same way. Many healthy horses can cope with normal fluctuations in grass sugar levels without any issues. For some horses, however, this is different. In particular, horses with:
- Excess weight
- Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
- Insulin resistance
- A history of laminitis
- Native breeds and easy keepers
may be more sensitive to large amounts of sugar from grass. For this reason, fructan is often discussed in relation to metabolism, weight management and hoof health. This does not mean fructan is automatically dangerous, but it does highlight the importance of careful management.
Is Fructan Only Found in Grass?
No. Although fructan is most commonly associated with pasture, it can also be present in forage.
Hay
Fructans can also be found in hay. The final fructan content depends on factors such as:
- The timing of harvesting
- Weather conditions during growth
- Grass species
- Soil conditions
As a result, two batches of hay can differ significantly.
Haylage
Haylage also contains sugars and fructans. Although the fermentation process influences certain nutritional values, the quality of the original grass remains a key factor. For horses that are sensitive to sugars, many owners choose to have their forage analysed.
What Can You Do If Your Horse Is Sensitive?
For most horse owners, the goal is not to completely avoid grass, but to manage it carefully.
Examples include:
- Controlled turnout
- Regular monitoring of body condition and weight
- Forage analysis
- Taking weather conditions into account
- Following the fructan index
- Consulting a veterinarian or equine nutritionist
Small adjustments can often make a significant difference.
Natural Support for Sensitive Horses
Alongside good pasture management, some horse owners choose to provide additional support through herbs or supplements. Ingredients such as milk thistle, nettle, dandelion, magnesium, chromium and omega-3 fatty acids are frequently discussed for horses that require extra support with metabolism, weight management and hoof health.
At Emmers Equestrian, you will find a range of supplements that may complement this approach, including Cavalor Lamin-Aid and Equine America Lamigard TRT Advanced Pellets.
Introducing Grass Gradually
When a horse returns to fresh grass after a period of limited or no turnout, a gradual introduction is important. By slowly increasing grazing time, the horse has the opportunity to adapt to fresh grass. For horses that are more sensitive, it remains important to monitor body condition, weight, hoof health and overall wellbeing.
Why Is Fructan Becoming More Important?
Knowledge about equine nutrition and metabolism continues to grow. As a result, horse owners are paying attention not only to how much grass a horse consumes, but also to the quality of that grass. This has made fructan an increasingly important topic in modern horse management.
A Healthy Pasture Does Not Tell the Whole Story
A green pasture may seem like the perfect environment for a horse. However, factors such as temperature, sunlight, growing conditions and pasture management play a bigger role than many people realise.
By understanding more about fructan and the conditions in which it develops, horse owners can make more informed decisions about nutrition, turnout and overall wellbeing.
Ultimately, good horse management is not only about what your horse eats, but also when, how much and under which conditions. Understanding these details helps horse owners make better choices for their horse's health and welfare.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Fructan
What is fructan?
Fructan is a natural sugar reserve stored by grass as an energy source.
When are fructan levels highest?
Typically during sunny days following cold nights, but also during droughts, spring growth and autumn regrowth.
Is fructan dangerous for every horse?
No. Horses with metabolic issues or an increased risk of laminitis are generally more sensitive to high fructan intake.
What is the fructan index?
The fructan index is a prediction that indicates when conditions are favourable for elevated fructan levels in grass.
Is fructan also found in hay?
Yes. Fructan levels depend on factors such as harvest timing, weather conditions and grass species.
Should horses be completely removed from grass when fructan levels are high?
Not necessarily. Many horse owners choose controlled turnout, careful management and monitoring of the fructan index rather than completely removing access to grass.
