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Is ryegrass good for horses?
03 February 2025
Ryegrass triggers more controversy than any other grass type. At Simple System we choose not to use Ryegrass in our horse feeds, despite it being the most commonly used agricultural grass as it is easy to grow and very nutritious.
It has been the subject of much attention from plant breeders, who have over the years, developed varieties with more and more benefits for farmers - who would use ryegrass useful for fattening lambs and beef cattle, and for enhancing yield in grazing dairy cows. Ryegrass grows quickly and easily with more than a little help from fertilisers and once cut, it can be fertilised and it will grow again, and again.
Back in the middle of last century, Tetraploid Ryegrasses were developed, with double the genetic material of normal, diploid organisms. This enhances their vigour, demand for fertiliser and importantly, the production of sugar.
When first introduced, we were warned that such grasses were not suitable for horses, due to the risk of laminitis. That was fine until dairying became increasingly uneconomic and former dairy farms diversified into livery for horses. Dairy pasture does not suit horses! Even without a predisposition for laminitis, horses on these yards were more prone to health issues such as obesity, and even behavioural problems.
Ryegrass is rewarding to grow. Reseed with ryegrass and you will soon have a lush sward. Its bright, emerald green leaves with their distinctive mid-line crease certainly look good enough to eat! But do not be beguiled – this verdant growth is not for making a happy, healthy horse.
Increasingly, seed producers and agronomists are aware that Ryegrass and horses do not make for a happy partnership and now there is an excellent selection for grass seed mixes far more appropriate for the needs of our beloved equines. Lower sugar, higher fibre, deeper rooting, higher mineral native type grasses, with a careful selection of flowering plants, make for a much more suitable pasture for horses.
At Simple System, we do not use any Ryegrass in any of our forages, or our Natural Grazing Mix.
Featured Products
Ryegrass free blend of high fibre grass species. A balance of hardy, creeping & drought resistant grasses, for complete sowing & paddock repair. Also suitable for hay cropping.
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