PASTURES versus GYMNASIUMS FOR HORSES
Is your horse pasture merely an exercising ground ? Cris it clean , luxuriant , and on fertile ground ? The great horse breeding centers of the world are characterized by good pastures . Thus , the bluegrass area of Kentucky is known for its lush pastures produced on residual limestone soils . In short , good horsemen , good pastures , and good horses go hand in hand ----- good pasture is the cornerstone of successful horse production . In season , there is no finer forage for horses than superior pastures — pastures that are much more than gymnasiums . This is especially true of idle horses , brood mares , and young stock . In fact , pastures have a very definite place for all horses , with the possible exception of animals at heavy work or in training . Even with the latter groups , pastures may be used with discretion . Work horses may be turned to pasture at nights or over the weekend . Certainly , the total benefits derived from pasture are to the good , although pasturing may have some laxative effects and produce a greater tendency to sweat .
In addition to the nutritive value of the grass , pasture provides invaluable exercise on natural footing — with plenty ' of sunshine , fresh air , and lowered feeding costs as added virtues . Feeding on pasture is the ideal existence for young stock and breeding animals .
But grass — the nation ’ slargestcrop , grown on 53 6 % of the land area — should not be taken for granted . Again and again , scientists and practical farmers have demonstrated that the following desired goads in pasture production are well within the realm of possibility : 1 . To produce higher yields of palatable and nutritious forage . 2 . To extend the grazing season from as early in the spring to as late in the fall as possible . 3 . To provide a fairly uniform supply of feed throughout the entire season .
The use of a temporary pasture ( grown in a regular crop rotation ), instead of a parasite-infected permanent pasture , is recommended . Legume pastures are excellent for horses , as equines are less subject to bloat than cattle or sheep . The specific grass or grasslegume mixture will vary from area to area , according to differences in soil , temperature , rainfall , etc . The county agricultural agent or state agricultural college can furnish recommendations for the area that they
serve .
Horse pastures should be well drained and not too rough or stony . All dangerous places — such as pits , stumps , poles , tanks , etc . — should be guarded . Shade , water and suitable minerals should be available in sill pastures .
Most horse pastures can be improved by seeding new and better varieties of grasses and legumes , and by fertilizing and management . Also , horsemen need to give attention to balancing out pastures . Early-inthe-season , high-water-content pastures lack energy . Mature , weathered grass is almost always deficient in protein ( being as low as 3 % or less ) and low in carotene ( the precursor of Vitamin A ). But these deficiencies can be balanced out by proper supplemental feeding .
How much easier do we find il to commend o good action than to imitate it .
THIS AND THAT
LET ’ S SEE NOW . . . the left reinhookson the curb chain . . . no , the cavesson hooks on the . . that ' s not right either . Maybe the bit fits on the other end ! Ah - —! I ’ ll cali the Breeders Association — they ' ll know what to do !
34 VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse