:eek:

[Miriam]

Took Rhi out for a drive and on the way back caught an elderly gent in the paddock (which Rhi is in along with kito and Paddy) giving the other two horses cut grass. On the way passed I shouted 'Are you feeding the horses cut grass'

Gent 'Yes'

Me 'Could you please not feed the horses cut grass as it will make them poorly'

Gent 'Oh I did not know'

Glad he did not ask for the reason behind it as on the spur of the moment I culdnot remember why he should not be giving it to them. All I could remember was it 'had something to do with Law mowers?' Please someone remeind me I seem to be having a blonde day.

[shaka]

Good thing you stopped him!
When grass is cut, it passes through the lawn mower, which is hot. The grass gets very heated, so it starts to ferment and is full of fuel, so basically, you'd be feeding a horse rotten grass, which would cause colic.
Thats what is going round my ehad anyway, but knowing me its likely to be wrong!
Cue Galadriel....

[Miriam]

Shaka that was what was springing to mind when I saw him.

[galadriel]

Yup, fermentation is a big problem with cut grass.

Also a horse does not have much to chew, because it is so short. They can grab a mouthful and swallow--and choke. Short wet wads are a hazard.

"Lawn" grass often has fertilizers and pesticides in it which would be very nasty for horses.

If you have long cut grass that has no chemicals, is very fresh, and was not carried in wet stacks (so no time nor opportunity to ferment) then it's probably safe. But lawnmowers really don't provide that sort of grass.

If you want to feed grass to horses, reach down & pick a handful ;) But first make sure that the owner wants the horse to have access to grass! (Not that any of you need reminding, but having it at the tip of your mind can help you remember to tell non-horsey people.)

[western]

Its a very good thing that u stopped him, that could have made your horse stomach sick .