Back to Basics
By Ron Petracek
10 Tips For Better Horse Pastures
Hay prices have been up in many areas , and hay difficult to find in others . Making maximum use of your pastures makes sense now more than ever .
1 . Get a soil test . These can be done inexpensively , sometimes free , at agriculture extension services . If you have an agricultural college nearby , see if students are interested in doing the soil test for the experience as a lab .
2 . Research what grasses to plant to make maximum nutrition , not just grass . Do you want to seed in a percentage of clover or alfalfa ? Are you even sure what is out there now ? Not all grass - or pasture - is created equal . A * good * pasture can provide nutrition , just grass provides mostly bulk . Keep in mind if you put in legumes it can also boost soil .
3 . Depending on the results of the soil test , fertilize ! Keep the horses off of it , according to directions on the fertilizer . But use a good fertilizer , lime or whatever else the test shows your soil needs to grow the best pasture possible .
4 . If there ’ s noxious weeds eliminate them ! Go through your pastures and really look . If you need to use an herbacide to get rid of weeds , block off the field according to directions .
5 . Mow regularly your pastures . If they ’ re grown up consider mowing and baling it . If you watch horses they ’ ll make some inroads to the tall stuff , nibbling here and there , but most of what they eat is knee to ankle high . If they ’ re overgrazing in spots look closely what ’ s there that they ’ re liking . Regularly mowing the pastures - even two or three times over the growing season
- keeps the pasture coming on fresh and more palatible .
6 . Drag pastures regularly . Consider using a drag once a month on the pastures to break up piles of manure . Breaking these up can help eliminate ‘ contaminated ’ areas where horses are less likely to eat , and allows the manure to break down as fertilizer easier .
7 . Rotate pastures . Don ’ t let them get overgrazed . Watch for areas that create ditches or other possible hazards - install drainage and level it out . This isn ’ t cheap , but preserves your pasture and helps prevent injuries while the horse is turned out .
8 . Don ’ t turn horses on pasture in bad weather . If it ’ s frozen or raining consider having paddocks available instead of using the pasture . Shoes and even barefoot hooves can tear up the root systems of grasses , leave damaged spots and worn areas of mud in horses favorite spots . Horses with caulks on the shoes can also do damage to the ground .
9 . Have a quality mineral available for horses on pasture - a good quality mineral can help the horse make use of the pasture they ’ re eating more efficiently .
10 . Maintain fences to keep horses in . While this might not seem direct to pastures , deer and wildlife can jump a fence , or try to , and create damage . Walking your fences on a regular basis can catch problems before a horse gets loose or hurt .
If you ’ re fortunate enough to have a space to have a pasture , even if just an acre or two , * use * it ! The horses can use
the nutrition , it ’ s less that you have to mow and maintain and it gives horses valued outdoor time in good weather . Keep a water tub in the corner of the field , near the gate , and clean it at least weekly to maintain drinkable water . If you don ’ t want to get a metal one get a couple larger inexpensive “ muck buckets ”, secure to the fence and fill with water . The important thing is to have clean water available .
Good quality pasture is an asset . For a couple hours a day it lets a horse be just a horse , something that makes a mental difference whether he ’ s a three day event horse , a reining competitor or just a pleasure horse . Since youre turning him out anyway , use the time for an added benefit of nutrition . It keeps the horse happy , eliminates they hay you have to buy , makes better use of your facility and leaves a viable forage you have more control over than that which comes in bales or bags .
During winter weather keep a ‘ dry ’ paddock for turnout of horses . Protect pastures by keeping horses off of them during freezing or muddy conditions .
© PETER TOGEL
Ron Petracek was raised in southern Idaho with horses and the great outdoors . With this continued passion He now shares through a a vast equine network . Learn more by clicking the links below . Amazing Equine Network System - Buy Sell or trade anything equine related . Get More Horse Classified coverage and distribution with less cost and work . Award Winning Horse Forum Published At : https :// www . isnare . com Permanent Link : https :// www . isnare . com /? aid = 240548 & ca = Pets Published at : https :// www . isnare . com /? aid = 240548 & ca = Pets .
18 • Walking On