Does new/spring grass really affect behaviour

[Mermaid2]

My normally totally bomb proof, chilled out 5 year old gelding has gone off the rails a bit. His grazing was pretty poor so we managed to move him to his own field and since then he's definately got a spring in his step.

Normally when I lead him he just walks beside me and at the moment is pushing and nudging. Also spooking at nothing etc etc. Just wondered if there was anything else I can do. He still has two small hard feeds a day, just hifi and pony nuts. TIA

[Pixel]

I'm sure spring grass affects them. My mum's old horse was a perfect gentleman, anybody could ride him, but every spring when the grass first came through he would buck! He would buck when ridden for six weeks and then be ok again for the rest of the year.

Could be something else though, when you say "his own field" do you mean he is on his own when he normally has company? Or maybe he is just nervous because he is in a different place. Our cob is in a strange field atm because we have moved him somewhere better for schooling and for the first few days he was spooking every time a pigeon so much as fluttered a feather.

Perhaps try cutting out the pony nuts for a bit to see if it makes a difference?

He could just be 'being a 5 year old'. I saw and interesting thread about it on the Horse and Hound forum the other day (was interesting to me cos mine is 5 too and was being a right stroppy git ). here it is

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

I'd cut out the hard feed for a start, Some pony nuts can be quite heating, and hifi is usually full of molasses, neither of which he needs if the grass is rich. Being alone can also be a cause as pixel says.
Have you made certain that he is totally sound? He could also be being evasive as he has a pain. Could be his back or teeth perhaps?

[englishpatient]

I think spring grass puts an extra spring in their step too. I fell off (the shame! ) a fortnight ago when my usually fairly steady 20 yr old mare did a big unexpected shy, whirling round. Luckily no harm done (except to my pride). She is definitely more spooky than usual on our hacks at the moment.

[Mermaid2]

phew, glad to hear its not must me He was on his own for a few days but now goes out during the day with his mates and then back on his own at night (for grazing). He seems happy with this arrangement.

Took him out today and apart from getting him out of yard he was good as gold. Don't think there is anything actually wrong with him but will keep an eye. He normally has old head on young shoulders so its been a shock to have him messing.

The grazing is still not what I consider to be excellent so think I will stick at him having a feed. Good to hear other peoples experiences - thanks

[Mermaid2]

Pixel - v useful article gives me hope, compared to some of those experiences he's not too bad - so far

[horseymum]

if you think the grass is not great you could try just feeding a balancer instead. Horses at my work are used up to 3 times a day and still only get a scoop of hifi and dollop of sugar beet - only a couple would get any concentrates just now.

[Mermaid2]

Just a quick update, Ted almost back to his normal chilled self (fingers crossed) think I am gonna cut back to one feed a day and see how it goes. I see from a few other threas people are also having problems getting decent grazing.