Pasture
in a poor state will not only affect the health
of the horses and ponies using it but also a
number of other factors;
Reduce the value of the property or land to
which it is attached,
Reduce the amount of palatable feed grown from
the pasture,
The site will start to act as a source for weeds,
the seeds from which will be blown across neighbouring
land which could result in prosecution,
If untidy and unkempt then this can lead to
trespass and fly-tipping.
Over-grown areas can harbour rabbit warrens
causing an added danger of hidden rabbit holes
to horse and owner alike.
The management of paddocks breaks down into
2 distinct areas, agriculture management and
physical management. Dealing with the physical
issues first, these include fencing, water,
hard-standing and shelter.
Fencing
Many people are tempted to cut corners and
costs on fencing and use the existing agricultural
fencing around the perimeter. This is usually
barbed wire or sheep netting. Both of these,
even with stand-off electric tape, can cause
serious injuries to horses, to such a degree
that the horse will need to be put down. The
preferred fencing type is usually post and rail,
these can be sawn rails, split chestnut or recycled
plastic. Other alternatives are electric fencing,
hedges and stone walls. Gates should be secure
and easy to operate both from horse back and
in an emergency.
Mud and Manure
Excessive mud not only makes everything hard
work but it can cause skin diseases and pulled
tendons. Gateways that are prone to becoming
water logged should be stoned and drained as
should areas around water troughs.
Ideally manure heaps should not be located within
the field but in purpose built areas where they
can be rotated and composted before being used
on local gardens or agricultural land. In any
case you must ensure that any run-off does not
reach water courses or aquifers. If a heap is
located within a field you will notice the excessive
nettle and dock growth that this causes due
to the nitrification of the area.
Shelter
The provision of field shelters and stables
in relation to planning is a subject in its’
own right. If you wish to place a building of
any sort on your land then you should consult
the local planning authority or a planning consultant
like Acorus. Other forms of shelter can be just
as important. Trees, Hedges and walls as well
as the topography can all provide a horse or
pony with shelter from wind, sun and precipitation.
Agricultural Issues
The agricultural issues relate to grazing management,
soil fertility, weed control, drainage and sward
management.
The over grazing of pasture is often the cause
of poor pasture health. The BHS recommend that
each horse should have 2/3 – 1 acre each.
Even at these densities pasture will still become
“Horse Sick” if the following management
practices are not undertaken.
Pick the droppings from the field at least every
week, but preferably daily.
Keep your horses wormed and vaccinated.
Ensure that the land is free draining; if water
logging regularly occurs then consider mole
draining. If the land is low lying it may not
be suitable for horses.
Divide the land up into 3 or 4 paddocks so that
you can turn out in 1 paddock while resting,
working on or grazing complimentary animals
in the other paddocks.
Follow an annual regime of pasture care similar
to that shown below.
In addition, if you have got native breeds
like Shetlands, which are particularly susceptible
to laminitis or colic then small turnout areas
will need to be fenced off to prevent over grazing.
Spring
If you want to reseed your pasture due to over
grazing or change of use this is the best season
to undertake the work. You can get specific
equestrian mixes but if you are not over stocked
then consider a conservation pasture mix.
Test the soil for nitrogen, phosphate, potassium
and acidity.
Harrow to take out dead grass then fertilise
depending upon the soil test undertaken and
proposed management.
Monitor weed growth
Spray weeds before seed starts to form. If
you do not want to spray, grazing with sheep
for a short period can reduce the ragwort and
dock issues.
If you wish to set land aside for hay-making
then it should be rolled in order to push down
unwanted stones.
Summer
Any ragwort, docks or other weeds should be
pulled when noticed, make sure that you get
all of the root and remember that ragwort is
biennial so you need to continue weed control
over several years.
If topping to curb weed growth then top before
seeds form.
If you have set land aside for hay-making then
you need to judge the best time for cutting
and baling depending on the weather and topgraphy.
In the spring and early summer you may find
an oversupply of grass. Horses are notoriously
fussy grazers and you may consider strip grazing
larger paddocks.
Autumn
Prepare for winter by ensuring that gateways
and areas around water troughs are stoned to
prevent poaching.
If you have wet areas consider mole drainage.
If there are brooks and ditches ensure they
are cleared.
Check that any stand pipes are lagged to prevent
bursts in winter frosts.
Harrow at the end of the growing period in
dry weather to spread any missed dung and remove
dead grass.
Winter
Trim back hedges and tree growth after Christmas,
this will have allowed the birds to get the
berries and will be before they start nesting
again.
Note that decent hedges and boundary trees
are useful in providing year round shelter from
wind and rain in exposed paddocks. Check the
varieties used to ensure that they are not poisonous
to livestock.
If grazing then ensure that droppings continue
to be collected.
Restrict turn-out if possible to prevent damage
to the pasture.
South East Regional OfficeBury St Edmunds01284
753271
South West Regional OfficeExeter01626 892638
Scotland and Northern OfficeLeeds01977 682313
Midlands and Wales OfficeWolverhampton01902
693213
If you would like further advice on the planning
and design issues then visit our website www.acorus.co.uk
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