Put an end to fructan worries: Happie Horse app, fructan calendar & co. in comparison
Fructan in pasture grass is an issue that concerns many horse owners. The sugar in grass is unavoidable, but with the right tools and knowledge you can protect your horse’s health without having to give up grazing. In this article, you’ll find out how the Happie Horse app, fructan calendar and fructan tables can help you fight this invisible danger.
Table of contents
Fructan - small but powerful!
Plants store energy in the form of fructan. The sugar in grass is not a problem for healthy horses, but horses with metabolic diseases such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), insulin resistance, Cushing’s disease (PPID) or a history of laminitis are particularly at risk. In these cases, fructan can trigger dangerous metabolic reactions.
Keeping an eye on fructan: how to stay on top of things
Fortunately, there are various ways to monitor the fructan content of the grass and plan your horse’s grazing optimally:
1. your personal fructan guardian angel: the Happie Horse app
The Happie Horse app is your digital companion for the grazing season. It analyzes your location and current weather data to calculate the fructan risk in your region – not only for the current day, but also for the coming days. You can see at a glance whether the pasture is “safe” or whether caution is advised.
Advantages of the Happie Horse app:
- Location-based, up-to-date data: The app takes your location into account and provides customized information on fructan risk – updated daily and with foresight.
- Early warning system: You will receive notifications as soon as the fructan content in your region reaches critical levels.
- Individual profiles: Create profiles for your horses and adapt the risk assessment to their specific needs (e.g. EMS or Cushing’s).
- Practical tips: The app also offers valuable tips for low-fructan pasture management.
In addition, the app’s Fructan Risk Management feature helps you to monitor the fructan content in the grass. This allows you to minimize the risk of hoof irritation and respond specifically to your horse’s needs.
How Does Fructan Risk Management Work?
- Input your horse’s data into the Happie Horse App, select the type of grass, and specify the grazing times.
- The app calculates the fructan content based on weather data and sends you a push notification if the laminitis risk increases.
The app provides the following alerts:
- Green: The fructan content is low, low risk.
- Yellow: Moderate risk, increased caution.
- Red: High fructan content, grazing should be restricted.
If the Fructan Risk Management feature is red, you can use the app to restrict grazing and consider alternative feed sources to protect your horse.
Daily grazing time
Note and observe your horse's daily grazing time, and display the past grazing time in a table.
Fructan risk
Check the daily fructan risk at your horse's location and keep an eye on your horse's health. See current fructan risk factors.
Get push notifications
Receive notifications about specific fructan risks based on your selection
Location
You can use the location function to display your current location and the weather, and set different locations for different horses.
Weather forecast
Monitor the weather at your horse 's current location. Choose between a 12-hour and a 4-day forecast.
Past grazing times
Get an overview of past grazing times and fructan risks. Perfect for the grazing or grazing period.
Additional tools in the Happie Horse app
Alongside Fructan Risk Management, the Happie Horse App offers additional helpful features:
- Feeding protocol: Keep track of the feeding and adapt it to the fructan content of the feed.
- Health data: Track important health parameters such as your horse’s pulse and temperature.
- Calendar function: Schedule important vet and farrier appointments to ensure your horse’s health status.
2. the classic: the fructan calendar
A fructan calendar gives you an initial overview of the average fructan content over the course of the year:
| Season | Fructan content | What happens? |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | High | Lots of sun, cool temperatures, the grass grows quickly. |
| Summer | Variable | Weather-dependent, usually lower than in spring. |
| Autumn | Increased | Less sun, cooler temperatures, slower growth. |
| Winter | Low | Hardly any sun, cold temperatures, little grass growth. |
3. in detail: Fructan tables
Fructan tables provide detailed information on the average fructan content of different grass species, depending on the time of day and growth stage. Note, however, that these tables represent average values. The actual fructan content in the grass can vary greatly depending on the region, weather and type of grass.
Conclusion: With brains and the Happie Horse app against the fructan enemy!
Fructan in grass doesn’t have to be a cause for panic! With the Happie Horse app, a fructan calendar or a fructan table, you can always keep an eye on the sugar content in your grass. The Happie Horse app in particular offers you the greatest accuracy and supports you with individual information and practical tips.
Healthy and lively on the pasture – thanks to clever helpers!