Spring is usually a time of poetic beauty, the yellow gorse is blooming across the East Sussex hills, the birds are singing their little hearts out, and the "Mud Spa" season is finally, finally coming to an end. But for those of us with four-legged best friends, spring also brings a certain... let’s call it "pizzazz." If your normally horizontal cob has suddenly decided he’s a Grand Prix dressage stallion, or if your quiet pony is currently impersonating a kite, don’t panic. You aren’t losing your mind, and your horse hasn't forgotten everything you’ve ever taught them.
They’ve just got a case of the "Spring Spicies."
Life is usually quite predictable in the winter, it’s dark, it’s wet, and we’re all just trying to stay upright in the gateway, but there are moments in March and April where everything shifts. One day you’re hacking out on a dependable steed, and the next, you’re sitting on a 500kg fire-breathing dragon who is deeply convinced that a rogue daffodil is out for blood.
I’ll admit—my own mare, Patsy, has been doing her best impression of a Pegasus lately. And this is saying something, because she’s a well-known neurotic chestnut mare about 90% of the time anyway… her "green light" to lose her head is usually just a leaf blowing past in the wind (how dare it). In spring though? She’s even more spicy than usual—like someone’s turned her internal drama dial up to “theatre kid” and snapped it clean off.
It’s a seasonal phenomenon often called "Spring Fever," and while it can be a bit hair-raising, there is some actual science behind why our horses turn into high-octane confetti this time of year.
THE SUGAR HIGH: LUSH GRASS AND FRUCTANS
When your pasture turns into an all-you-can-eat dessert buffet.
Let’s be honest: not everyone loves the sight of that first bright green flush of grass. If you’ve got a pony who’s prone to laminitis (like a couple of my own!), that lush green glow-up is actually mildly terrifying—like nature has just wheeled out a buffet you definitely didn’t ask for. If you’ve got a horse who can genuinely enjoy it without the constant worry, you are (politely) very lucky. But either way… that beautiful green carpet is essentially a field of Skittles for horses.
Spring grass is packed with simple sugars and fructans. Because the plants are working overtime to grow after the winter frost, they store all that energy at the base of the stem. When our horses graze on this rich, lush growth, it leads to a literal "sugar high." This rapid intake of sugar causes fermentation in the hindgut, which can lead to fizzy, anxious, and downright explosive behaviour. It’s like giving a toddler three espresso shots and a bag of Haribo, it’s never going to end in a quiet nap.
THE LIGHT FACTOR: HORMONES AND HOLIDAYS
Because longer days mean more time for mischief
It’s not just the grass, though. The increase in daylight hours actually triggers physiological changes in the horse's brain. As the days stretch out, their internal rhythms shift, affecting melatonin and other hormones. This significantly increases their alertness and energy levels. They feel more "awake," more reactive, and much more tuned into their surroundings.
And let’s not forget our mares! As the light levels rise, many mares begin their oestrus cycles again after the winter "shut down." If you’ve ever sat on a mare who is more interested in flirting with the gelding three fields over than listening to your leg aids, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s hormonal, it’s natural, and it’s... well, it’s a lot to deal with on a Tuesday morning.
THE ENERGY SURPLUS: THE WARMTH FACTOR
No more shivering means more bucking (obviously)
During the winter, horses burn a huge amount of calories just to maintain their body temperature. They use that energy to keep their internal furnaces stoked against the biting wind and rain. But as the weather warms up, they suddenly have a massive surplus of energy.
Instead of burning those calories to stay warm, they decide to spend them on a series of dramatic airs-above-the-ground in the arena. That surplus energy has to go somewhere, and unfortunately for us, it’s often released through playful, high-spirited behaviour like bucking, spinning, or the classic "spooky-run-sideways" manoeuvre.
Me vs. The Spring Spicies: A dramatic re-enactment of what happens when that first flush of grass sugar hits! 🪁.
THE MAGNESIUM MYSTERY
When the grass grows too fast for its own good
One of the less-talked-about reasons for the Spring Spicies is a temporary mineral imbalance. Fast-growing spring grass is often incredibly high in potassium, which can interfere with how a horse absorbs magnesium.
Magnesium is the "calming" mineral, it helps with muscle relaxation and keeps the nervous system steady. When magnesium levels dip (or aren't absorbed properly), horses can become anxious, nervous, and incredibly spooky. If your horse is jumping at shadows they’ve seen a thousand times before, it might just be their internal chemistry reacting to the rapid grass growth.
SURVIVING THE SEASON: MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
How to stay in the saddle until the grass settles down
So, how do we handle our spicy friends without losing our nerves? Here are a few tricks we use to keep things (relatively) sane at Ponies & Pups:
- Night Grazing: Sugar levels in grass are often lowest late at night and in the early hours of the morning. Switching to night turnout can help reduce the sugar spike.
- The Grazing Muzzle: It’s the "diet plate" of the horse world. It allows them to stay out with their friends and move around without hoovering up quite so much of the green stuff.
- Consistent Exercise: Even if it’s just a brisk walk on long reins or a session with one of our All-Weather Rope Halters, keeping them moving helps burn off that surplus energy before it turns into a vertical explosion.
- Magnesium Supplementation: Chat with your vet or nutritionist about adding a little extra magnesium to their feed during the peak growth weeks to help keep their brain in "chill" mode.
THE GROUNDWORK GLOW-UP
How to channel spring "spiciness" into connection (and fewer surprise aerobatics)
I’ll admit—when my horse is feeling fresh, my first instinct is to think “Right. Saddle on. Let’s ride it out.” Which is brave… and also occasionally how you end up practising interpretive dance on the way down.
Groundwork is the sneaky little cheat code here. Not in a “make them tired” way (because honestly, if your horse is properly spicy, they’ll just get fitter and sassier), but in a “let’s get your brain back in the room with me” way. It gives you a calm, consistent place to practise the boring-but-magical stuff—leading politely, yielding shoulders and hindquarters, softening to pressure, standing still while you adjust something—so when spring tries to scramble their neurons, you’ve got a shared language to fall back on.
And the best bit? It builds that deeper bond—the I’ve got you, you’ve got me feeling—so you’re not just surviving spring… you’re actually enjoying your horse again (even when they’re being a bit of a gremlin).
My go-to “spice-to-nice” setup:
- An All Weather Rope Halter from The Whisper Collection in Lilac Bloom —made from premium rope, designed for clear, precise communication, and absolutely unfazed by mud, rain, or emotional outbursts (the horse’s… and occasionally mine).
- A 14ft Groundwork Rope from The Essential Collection in Basecamp Black —because a little extra line gives you space to do proper exercises, keep everyone safe, and still look vaguely in control if a pigeon commits a crime nearby.
Five or ten minutes of calm, consistent groundwork before you hop on can turn the whole day around. It’s like giving your horse a little mental “download” first—today’s update includes manners, focus, and fewer spontaneous cartwheels.
INTRODUCING YOUR "SPICY INSURANCE"
The BioThane® Adjustable Neck Strap
I actually had a proper heart-in-mouth moment the other day riding my Mum’s usually totally bombproof, kick-along cob, Bluebell, along the river bank. A pheasant decided that was the perfect moment to do its best impression of a surface-to-air missile, and I realized - too late - that I’d forgotten my neck strap! How I didn't end up taking an unscheduled swim in the river was definitely more luck than judgment. It just goes to show: even the steadiest of steeds can have a 'spicy' moment when the spring vibes are high!
That is exactly why we created our BioThane® Adjustable Neck Straps. We like to call them "Spicy Insurance."
Handcrafted right here in our East Sussex workshop, these neck straps are the ultimate safety tool for riders of all levels. Whether you’re a jump rider needing a bit of security or a happy hacker who wants an "oh shit" handle for those spring-induced spooks, these are a game-changer.
Choosing just one colour is honestly the hardest part of the whole process, I currently have three on the go for different moods!
Made from 19mm wide authentic BioThane®, they are tough as nails, waterproof, and stink-proof (unlike traditional leather which tends to get a bit grumpy if it gets wet). You can literally hurl them in a bucket of soapy water after a muddy ride and they’ll look brand new. No oiling, no fuss, just more time for riding.
CHOOSE YOUR VIBE: THE COLLECTIONS
We don’t believe safety gear has to be boring! Our neck straps are available in all 21 of our colour collection palettes - and yes, that includes every vibe from “tack room classic” to “I want to be perceived from the next postcode.” (Also, just as a little brand nerd moment: our Classic Collar colourways run across all collections, so if you’re matching dog gear to horse gear, you’re very much in your element.)
For the rider who loves the classics. Our tack room staples. Simple and Effective. Black, Brown, Blue & Red.
This is where we have some serious fun. Think Berry Burst, Electric Lime, and Orange Crush. If you want to be seen from space (or just want your gear to match the vibrant energy of your spring-fresh horse), this is for you.
For those who love a soft, aesthetic look. These are our pastels, lilacs, soft blues, and dusty turquoise. They look stunning against a spring backdrop, even if the horse wearing them is currently pretending to be a wild mustang.
Our luxury aesthetic with timeless, deep rich tones that bring a touch of class to every sideways spook and exuberant moment! Perfect for those who want their bespoke equestrian gear to stand out from the crowd.
FINDING THE PERFECT FIT
Because one size definitely doesn't fit all
We offer two main sizes: Pony/Cob (87cm - 120cm) and Cob/Full (120cm - 153cm). Both are fully adjustable, so you can get that perfect fit, not too loose that it’s a hazard, but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable for your horse. We’ve even got a Size Guide to help you get it just right.
Every single one is handcrafted by us, ensuring that the quality is top-tier. We know what it’s like to deal with a fresh horse, I’ve had my fair share of "unscheduled dismounts", and having that extra security around the neck can give you the confidence to ride through the wobbles and enjoy the sunshine.
So, as the grass keeps growing and the temperatures keep rising, embrace the spiciness! It’s just your horse’s way of saying they’re happy, healthy, and ready for a summer of adventures. Just maybe... make sure you’ve got your neck strap adjusted and ready, just in case.
I’d love to see your spicy spring photos (the funny ones, please!). Tag us over on the Colour Crew or drop us a message if you have any questions about which colour would suit your horse best.
Whatever your spring adventures look like, we hope they’re filled with more nuzzles than kites. Stay safe, stay colourful, and we’ll see you out on the trails! 🐴✨
Check out our Neck Straps!
For life's "Oh Sh**!" moments!