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High quality grazing is the best and least expensive source of feed for horses. Grass is the horse’s natural feed. Well managed, secure and safe pasture provides the optimum environment for horses to exercise, rest, and feed unrestricted in the fresh air and sunlight. The maximum number of horses which should graze per acre is often a debated subject. The determination of such is dependent on several factors which include, soil type, pasture management, daily period of turnout, drainage and potential pasture damage from “horsing about” As a general rule at least 1 acre per horse is recommended. Ideally horses would benefit from unlimited acreage in order to roam and graze replicating a natural habitat, but not everyone has that facility. It is therefore most important in order to maintain good pasture and therefore have a regime in place for its care. There are two peaks of rapid growth of grass, firstly May and a lesser one around the end of summer say September. At the spring peak an acre of pasture may support up to 4 horses but by September this capacity will be reduced to one horse. Where fewer horses are grazed pasture tends to grow long and unpalatable as the horses cannot eat fast enough to maintain the optimum grass length of 3-4 inches. Productive well managed pasture provides most of the nutritional requirements for horses during the growing season including proteins vitamins and minerals. Good management of the grazing also greatly helps to extend the period over which pasture is sufficient without the need to supplement with hay. In terms of nutrients spring and summer grass provide the richest food from the varied mixture of plants to be found on good grazing. Horses moving from hay to spring grazing receive a generous boost of nutrients, often evident in the improved condition of a horse after only a few weeks of spring grass. Sugar is the main source of the energy together with protein. A word of caution when turning out our eager munchers! Restricted access may be needed for those who are prone to weight gain, or laminitis. It must also be remembered that pasture should be completely rested for around 6 weeks twice a year. Once pasture is allowed to deteriorate it is worthless for the grazing of horses, so, prevention is better than cure which can be long term. Some general good husbandry tips for the care of pasture are always worth remembering. Try to maintain the grass at a length of 3 – 4inches, and much as we all hate the job! Do collect the droppings regularly to prevent souring of the grass, avoid the land getting poached in wetter weather, and try to control weeds especially the potentially dangerous ragwort. So in short be vigilant and attentive to your horse’s most important asset, and remember that however many horses may be kept on the land, a good pasture maintenance programme is essential to provide top quality nutrition from the grass. Erin is a freelance interior designer and in her free time she enjoys going out to the countryside, whilst wearing her http://www.anythingequine.co.uk/Rider to go riding. For more information on the issues raised, visit http://www.anythingequine.co.uk.
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horse, riding, equestrian, equine, grazing,
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