I’m considering moving to either Southern Pines or Aiken from up north… my horses have never been on sand or eaten coastal grass… what kinds of things would I need to worry about in transitioning to grass pastures in the south vs the ones in the north and what should I worry about with hay and sand?
Hi @Altermetoday!
In regards to sand, I have found it to not be that big of an issue. Some people feed psyllium fiber supplements like SandClear once a month, but there actually are not any studies to back up claims that this will reduce the risk of sand colic.
Coastal hay is a little lower in protein and carbs than northern grasses, and higher in fiber. The main difference this will make is in what kind of keeper your horse is. Personally, I prefer it because I like my horses to have access to forage all the time and I don’t have to worry about limiting their consumption of coastal.
Thanks… I had heard the coastal grasses can cause impaction colics more often? Is that true or just a myth?
Costal Bermuda Hay does seem to cause higher rates of a certain kind of colic, the name escapes me… ileal perhaps?
Coastal Bermuda grass does not carry that risk.
Other varieties of Bermuda, like Russel or Tifton, do not carry that risk either (as hay or as grass)
If you don’t feed hay or grain on or over a sandy surface you probably won’t have issues with sand. Unless your horse is like a toddler at the beach trying to eat sand just because lol.
Welcome to the good life in advance 
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Southern Pines and Aiken have less of a sand concern than Florida, or even coastal South Carolina. There have in fact been studies that show that psyllium helps clear sand. Personally, I would get where I was going and speak to the barn/new vet/whatever and see how common sand colic is in your area before worrying too much about that.
As far as hay, coastal Bermuda has been associated with an increased risk of ileal impaction. I would not feed Coastal hay. Tifton 85 is less likely to cause this specific type of colic. You have to be very careful when buying local hay, though. The variety is often not obviously advertised. Timothy and orchard are also available in Aiken and Southern Pines, although they cost more. It’s what I’ve always fed in Aiken and I grew up nearby.
As far as pasture, it shouldn’t much of a problem. Spring grass up north is usually much richer than spring grass down here and I would be more concerned switching to northern turnout rather than switching from north to south.
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Yes, it’s Coastal Bermuda hay that has the increased risk of causing an ileal impaction. That risk is higher if there isn’t adequate tapeworm control, as tapeworms like to hang out there as well.
Psyllium has actually shown to not be very effective at removing sand. It works a lot better of you add magnesium sulfate, ie Epsom Salt
Comparison of the effects of enteral psyllium, magnesium sulphate and their combination for removal of sand from the large colon of horses - PubMed (nih.gov)
Another study showing it doesn’t work
Failure of Psyllium Mucilloid to Hasten Evacuation of Sand From the Equine Large Intestine (ufl.edu)
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UF did a study on sand and sand clear type products. They found that adequate hay availability was most effective.
Personally, I dont feed Coastal. The savings is not worth it to me. Here in Ocala this year the hay stores are carrying something they call Mountain Meadow or Meadow Mix. It’s mostly
cool season grasses such as orchard.
Regarding spring grasses, the southern (warm season) grasses do not have the same sugar NSC issues as the northern (cool season) grasses do in the spring. Depending on where you land, ask what type of pasture grasses are common. https://www.proequinegrooms.com/tips/barn-management/horse-pasture-warm-and-cool-season-grasses-and-nsc-values
I live near the coast in SC. While Coastal Bermuda hay is generally low in sugars and good for easy keepers, it does come with an increased risk of ileal impactions. I fed it to my childhood horse with no problems, and I know lots of people who still feed it and have no issues. I also know lots of people whose horses have coliced on it. I have never met a vet who liked it, as they all believe it increases colic risk. Grazing on Coastal Bermuda is not a colic risk. Most pastures around here tend to be Bahia and not Coastal anyway.
I generally feed Timothy hay, sometimes Orchard - never Coastal. It’s just not worth the risk to me. I do feed psyllium as I figure it can’t hurt and might help.
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Something else to mention is pasture on sand. If the pasture is on sand, be careful there arent sand areas - sandy patches… horses will dig at the roots of the grass and ingest sand. PURE sand paddocks with adequate grass is actually better…
We live in Southern Pines. We’ve not had any issues with sand. Our horses are all air ferns, and we don’t feed them off the ground.
And I love having NO mud. Horses don’t get the skin cruds that we’ve dealt with other places.
I don’t feed coastal. I did use it in the pastures all winter when we moved here, but did get one bad colic that may or may not have been related. We tried to mitigate risk by feeding soaked beet pulp all winter but that was a pita, so now we just don’t use it at all.
Buying o/a/t is more expensive, but we plant winter rye and so only need to supplement with hay in the pastures for a couple of months. They get a few flakes of hay in their stalls too, but I price shop, buy in bulk, and buy as part of a co-op and that keeps the price more reasonable.
I love the area. We have fantastic access to shows, lessons, and clinics for all disciplines. Top notch vets, farriers, and Chiro/bodywork professionals.
As said before, coastal Bermuda isn’t a problem in grass form, only as hay.
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