If the pasture is greener on the other side of the fence you’d be wise to keep the gate closed. I’m Jeff Keane and I’ll be right back with more on spring pastures. While a lush green pasture is beautiful it can be deadly for your horse, right Susan? Jeff,  sunshine and green pastures seem like the ultimate combination for horses. I want to throw open the gate and let my winter weary horses romp in equine heaven. Yet if  I do, they just might end up there because lush spring pastures can  cause serious health problems even  death for horses unaccustomed to fresh grass, when not introduced very  gradually to new pastures. Veterinarians  recommend changing horse from hay to pasture over a period of days. In fact when feeding anything new, be it grain, hay or grass it should take about six days to make a complete change.  Another good recommendation from a horse heath website the Horse .com is to feed hay free choice a week prior to starting pasture turn out then increase pasture turn out an hour each day for four to five days. Susan, every horse is different, so it is important to note each  animals’  body condition,  not to mention the condition of the spring pasture. Mares with nursing foals might still need supplementing, some   horses will get too fat and others ribby on   grass,  and remember to keep fresh water and a mineral block where they can find it. I’m Jeff Keane