rye grass for horses

[jp]

I usually seed rye for my cows and oats for my horses for winter.I planted my rye but I'm afraid it's too dry this year for oats. Is it okay to put my horses on the rye? thanks for any input, jp

 

[TR]

Well, I had one horse founder on it the year before last, and one that didn't. After going through the horrors of founder, I'm not game enough to try it again. However, its supposed to be okay if you limit their grazing to a couple of hours a day when it first comes up, then gradually increase their time out as the grass matures. Its also suggested that they're less likely to founder if they're out 24/7 and can increase their intake as it comes up, but as I said, my experience confounded everyone. Apparently its carbbohydrate overload that is supposed to cause founder, and that fresh, green spring rye is loaded with sugar. Nope, not worth the chance to me.

 

[jp]

thank you TR