> "Ingvar Ragnarsson" [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> > -There have... a study about NCS in Icelandic grasses but I
> don't remember where to
> find it. it was done by agriculture schooll at Hvanneyri
> ( www.bondi.is or www.lbhs.is ).
thanks for the info. unfortunately, i didn't see the study on
the english version of the first web address, and the second web
address did not seem to be active. if you come across the article
(and it is in English) i would be very interested in seeing it, or
hearing about the NCS levels they measured.
>
> > the grass grows gradually in spring and so the horses get it
> gradually by nature.
being out as the spring grass gradually comes in works fine for
most horses in the US as well. indeed, we do that, and my guys do
not get any rings on their hoofs from such a gradual change.
however, being out on free-choice grass is definitely not OK for
insulin resistant (IR) horses, for who any substantial amount of
grass can cause a laminitic attack, and founder if the feet aren't
iced down quickly (to prevent the laminae from breaking down).
so aren't there any IR horses in Iceland? or Cushings horses?
or maybe the lush grass in Icelandic pastures is generally wet and
cool enough that it might effectively do the same thing that we do by
icing, while the horses walk through the grass?
>> >> the pronounced hoof rings that are so common in horses just
>> imported from Iceland...
>> > they are called "food change rings" and are not founder as long
>> the hoof doesn't have increased heat . ... very
> normal... when brought in for training from winter pasture or when
> we change hay rolls... hay from a new field.
> I have several time asked my farrier if he sees some change in the
> hoof and never have he found anything.
> regards, Malin in Iceland
do young horses in Iceland who are out all the time (and not
brought in) also have such hoof rings, or are their hoofs smooth?
another question: have you ever felt the temperature of your
stallions' hoofs a couple of days after you say that you turn them
out in late June? i assume that the grass is already quite lush by
then? do you know if their feet may get warm (or sore) for a few
days? and does this turn-out cause a hoof ring?
thanks much for your insights, Malin.
yours, Barbara
