Perfect his paddock
If you feel like you’ve spent much of the winter in a permanent state of darkness, you can be forgiven for not recognising your paddock in the cold light of day. Now’s the perfect time to check it and put everything in good order, from mending a fence to removing plants that shouldn’t be there. Atypical myopathy is an illness that weakens muscles and has been linked to a toxin found in sycamore seedlings. “Everyone is aware of getting rid of ragwort, but sycamore trees are another thing to be wary of,” says Gemma. “Atypical myopathy is something we’ve noticed more in the past few springs. Regularly check for seedlings as, even if you haven’t got sycamores nearby, they can travel long distances in the wind.” Sycamore seeds spread 30-80m on average, but can travel as far as several kilometres in strong winds. If you’re concerned about the condition, the Royal Veterinary College now offers testing for plant samples in your paddock. For more information, visit www.rvc.ac.uk.
No grass?
A trashed paddock is a common side effect of winter weather, but as Gemma explains, with a bit of care it can make a full recovery. “It can be a good idea, once the ground has dried, to roll your paddock and even reseed it if it’s very bare,” she says. “If you’re unsure, a paddock management expert will be able to help. Look online for recommendations.” Remember that a grassy paddock doesn’t come without its risks though — keep an eye on sudden bursts of lush grass to keep conditions like laminitis at bay. “If you employ strip grazing in the spring, be careful when you move the fence that your horse doesn’t gorge on the fresh grass available,” says Gemma. “This can lead to problems like colic. I prefer to move the fence line little and often to help prevent it.”