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While some of you may be feeling a bit down about the fact that Winter is certainly here (for most of us anyway!)

As we mentioned in the last blog, some horse owners actually get a bit of relief in winter if their horses suffer from sweet itch. Well, we got to thinking about the other reasons to be happy about winter in the horsey world….

Another condition that is predominantly a problem in the summer, when the grass is lush and green, is laminitis. This condition has the potential to cause damage to the lamellar tissues, which may be minimal or devastating. That is why it is so important to keep an eye a horse if it shows any acute symptoms at all. If you do spot acute symptoms (heat in the hoof, a pulse at the base of the leg, lameness, or a raised crest) make sure you remove the horse from grazing immediately and call the vet. Acute cases can be very treatable and preventable, which is why winter can be a blessing in disguise, as so many cases of laminitis are linked to excessive sugars caused by lush grazing. On the other hand, sever cases can leave the horse with severe permanent damage.

Be aware however, that there have been cases of frosted grass being a factor in the onset of laminitis, so sadly it’s not all good news about winter’s intrusion. Then again, there is always Christmas!

The FEI blogging team