My pasture is finally ready for the horses, What is the best method for getting them off hay and back on grass. I had a recommended schedule but now I can't find it.
I put them on for only an hour today and am planning for slightly longer tomorrow.

http://www.safergrass.org/

Thanks for the link.

At our barn the horses are fed their grain and some hay first before going to pasture. They start with about30 minutes a day for a few days and are gradually increased .

I was just reading my April Horse and Rider magazine and it has a short article on turnout (page 31).
Also, Temposmom gave you a fantastic website with Safergrass.org.

This is the article from Horse and Rider April 2007

Spring Grass Warning

That new spring grass may look luscious, but it also presents a health risk for horses if they’re simply turned out and allowed to gorge themselves after a winter on dry forage. Spring grass contains high levels of carbohydrates, including fructan, a sugar. A fructan overload can affect a horse like a grain overload does, leading to the development of laminitis (founder). Stay on the safe side with these measures:

• Feed a regular-sized hay ration, to help your horses feel full and less inclined to pig out on grass, before you turn them out.
• Limit grazing time to no more than 30 minutes the first few days.
• After the initial adjustment to grass, gradually increase grazing time by five to 10 minutes per day, until your horses can graze safely for several hours.

Thats the plan we use and have not had any problems. The same holds true when introducing a different grain. We add small amounts of the new grain to the original grain and gradually increase proportions of the new grain over a period of time. One thing I've learned is that in comparison to many other animals, horses have delicate systems.

ps..feeding their regular portion of grain and hay first is key...they are less likely to pig out as mentioned in the article. Keep the first few grazings minimal....dont rush it.

Our horses are on grass about an hour a day now. Trying to get them out of pasture was fun. My horse played hide and seek behind a brushpile when attempting to get him ...kept circling around the pile to avoid having to come in then took off at a lope to the other side of the pasture where he could munch abit more before being caught.He's a good boy and usually comes right to me, but he is sure loving the grass.