Spring Has Sprung: Helping Your Horse Navigate the Seasonal Change
There’s something wonderful about the arrival of spring.
The days are longer, the mornings are warmer, the paddocks begin to green up and there’s more time to enjoy our horses.
But spring also brings change.
As temperatures rise and the environment shifts, horses are exposed to increasing levels of pollen, dust and insects. Winter coats start to shed, pasture changes rapidly and our horses’ routines often change too.
For some horses, spring can also bring the return of seasonal allergies, skin irritation, sun sensitivity and increased parasite exposure.
Spring is therefore a good time to take a fresh look at your horse and consider what the changing season might mean for them.
Allergens
Spring means plants are growing and flowering - and that means pollen.
For some horses, pollen and other environmental allergens can contribute to seasonal skin or respiratory problems. Insect proteins can also trigger allergic reactions in susceptible horses.
Signs can include increased itching, rubbing, hair loss or skin irritation. Not every itchy horse has an allergy, however, so persistent or severe symptoms should be investigated with your veterinarian.
Spring can also increase the risk of sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) in some horses. Certain plants and other underlying factors can make skin unusually reactive to sunlight, particularly areas with little or no pigment.
If you notice unusual redness, swelling, crusting or painful skin after sun exposure, seek veterinary advice.
Dust
Spring can bring increasing amounts of dust as paddocks dry out and horses spend more time in arenas, yards and other dusty environments.
Hay, bedding, soil and disturbed ground can all contribute to airborne dust.
For horses that are sensitive to dust, this can be another environmental challenge arriving at the same time as pollen and insects.
Consider where your horse spends their time and whether anything has changed as winter comes to an end.
Insects
As temperatures rise, insects return.
Flies, mosquitoes and biting midges can become a significant nuisance, particularly for horses that are sensitive to insect bites.
Some horses barely notice them, while others develop intense itching and irritation. Repeated biting and rubbing can damage the skin and create an itch–scratch cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break.
And the impact isn't only on the skin. A horse constantly trying to escape biting insects may stomp repeatedly, particularly when insects are feeding around the lower legs. Excessive stomping creates repeated concussion through the hoof and limb and can contribute to hoof damage, soreness and lameness.
For horses with a history of insect-related problems, spring is the time to start thinking about prevention, before the problem becomes established
Coat Shedding
The arrival of spring also means one thing every horse owner recognises:
The great winter coat shed!
As your horse loses their winter coat, regular grooming isn't just about keeping them looking their best. It gives can provide them relief from the itchiness of shedding; and also gives you an opportunity to inspect the skin underneath.
Look for areas of redness, irritation, hair loss, scabs, broken hairs or insect bites, and pay particular attention to areas your horse may be rubbing.
The winter coat can sometimes hide small problems that become much easier to spot once it starts to come away.
Pasture Changes
One of the best signs of spring is the return of fresh green pasture.
But spring pasture means more than simply more grass.
As plants grow and flower, pollen levels increase. Later in the season, seeds and grass heads can become lodged in coats, around legs or in sensitive areas such as the eyes, ears and mouth.
Longer grass can also provide hiding places for snakes, which become more active as temperatures rise.
The rapid change from winter feed to fresh pasture can affect some horses' digestion, weight and behaviour too. Gradual changes and appropriate pasture management can help them adjust.
And beneath the grass, warmer conditions can allow worm eggs and larvae to develop more quickly, increasing parasite exposure. Spring is a good time to review your horse's parasite-management program.
Changes in Routine
Spring often changes our horses' routines as much as it changes the environment.
Longer days mean more riding, more time outdoors and, for some horses, a return to competition or increased activity after winter.
Horses may also move between paddocks, yards or grazing arrangements.
As routines change, keep an eye on your horse's weight, behaviour, skin, legs and general comfort. Where possible, make changes gradually rather than all at once.
Rugging for Spring
One of the most obvious signs that spring has arrived is the gradual reduction in rugging.
As temperatures rise, heavy winter rugs and layers may no longer be appropriate.
But taking rugs off doesn't necessarily mean removing all protection.
Some horses may need greater protection from insects, sun or environmental irritants as spring progresses.
The key is to match protection to the conditions and to your individual horse.
And as the weather warms, comfort and airflow become increasingly important. Protection should provide what your horse needs without creating unnecessary heat or discomfort.
Welcoming spring
Spring brings so many positives for horse owners.
- More daylight
- Warmer weather
- Fresh pasture
- Longer rides
- More time outdoors
But it also asks us to adjust our horse-care routines.
Pollen increases. Insects return. Dust can rise. Winter coats disappear. Pastures change. Parasite exposure can increase. Our horses become more active, and the protection they need may change with them.
There isn't one perfect spring routine for every horse.
The best approach is to watch your horse, understand what is changing around them and adjust their care accordingly.
Because sometimes the most important part of preparing for spring isn't adding something new.
It's simply noticing what your horse is telling you.
🐴 Together, making our horses' lives better – Yvette
Related HorseTalk Blogs
Related Resources:
-
“Seasonal Changes in the Dietary Management for Horses” - Kentucky Equine Research, 30 March 2026
-
Equine Spring Fever: Understanding Your Horse’s Behaviour
” – Bowral Co-Op, 18 -
“
Spring: A Season of Renewal, or Risk for Horses?
” by Dr David Marlin,
Disclaimer: These are my thoughts and opinions and should not be considered expert or veterinary advice. Every horse is an individual, and I recommend seeking professional advice regarding your horse's specific needs and circumstances.
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