Moving Into Spring - Time For A Seasonal Detox?

As we move into spring, we often see an increase in lush grass growth and our horses spending more time outside in the fresh air. While this is a welcome change after winter, it also brings a shift in diet, routine, and environmental conditions. For many horses, this seasonal transition can place additional pressure on the body, making spring a popular time to consider gentle nutritional detox support.

Detoxing from winter is a common approach before and during spring turnout. Changes in grass quality, increased sugar levels, and richer grazing can all influence digestion and metabolism. During this time, some horses may be more prone to issues such as digestive upset, build-up of toxins, laminitis and sensitivity to spring grass. Supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes can help maintain balance as horses adapt to the new season.

A gentle detox aims to support key body systems involved in natural cleansing, including:

The gastrointestinal tract

Liver function

Kidneys

Pancreas

Lymphatic system

By supporting these systems, horses can better cope with dietary changes and the demands of spring grazing.

Herbal Detox Support with Restore

Our Restore supplement is a carefully balanced blend of herbs designed to provide seasonal support. It can be particularly useful during times of change, such as the move from winter feeding to spring turnout.

Key herbs in the blend include:

Milk Thistle – traditionally used to support liver function

Creat – provides soothing properties and immune support

Gale of the Wind – used to support overall detoxification

Together, these herbs work to provide gentle, natural support as the body adjusts to seasonal changes.

Single Herbs for Spring Support

Alternatively, individual herbs can also be introduced to help support the body during spring:

Dandelion Leaf – supports liver and kidney function

Nettle – provides nutritional support and helps maintain overall wellbeing

Marigold & Cleavers – supports fluid dispersion, lymphatic function, and natural detox processes

These herbs can be used individually or alongside a balanced feeding programme to help maintain overall health during the transition into spring.

A holistic, natural approach using carefully selected herbs can help support your horse’s normal body functions while they adapt to richer grazing and longer days. Starting early in the season can help maintain comfort, balance and wellbeing as spring progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do horses need a spring detox?

Horses have their own natural processes for removing and processing waste products, so a “detox” is not essential for every horse. However, seasonal changes in diet and management can make spring a useful time to review your horse’s nutritional needs. Targeted herbal supplements can provide nutritional support for normal liver, digestive and lymphatic function during the transition into spring.

Why might my horse benefit from seasonal support in spring?

Spring brings changes in grass growth, pasture quality, turnout time and daily routines. Richer grazing can also mean changes to the horse’s nutritional intake. Providing appropriate nutritional support can help maintain normal body functions as your horse adapts to these seasonal changes.

What is a natural detox for horses?

A natural detox for horses generally refers to nutritional support for the body's normal processes involved in digestion, metabolism and elimination. Herbal ingredients such as Milk Thistle, Dandelion Leaf, Nettle and Cleavers are traditionally used as part of herbal feeding programmes designed to support these normal functions.

When should I start a spring detox for my horse?

There is no single time that is right for every horse. Many owners choose to introduce seasonal nutritional support as winter feeding changes and horses begin spending more time at grass. Starting as your horse's routine begins to change can help provide consistent nutritional support throughout the transition.

Blog by Jo Holt MRCVS