Clover is taking over my fields.

[myheartinahoofbeat]

This is my first year of having horses at home. We moved in about this time last year and I don't remember there being so much clover. I know you need some in your fields but mine are more clover than grass and the horses don't want to eat it. I don't have a tractor but paid for the fields to be topped a couple of months ago and it wasn't that bed then. Today I have resorted to streaming huge areas of clover to give the grass a chance. How can I stop the same things happening next year as I have patches of short grass and patches of long clover which is advancing across the field?

 

[L&M]

There was another post about clover recently, and the consensus was that everyone has had a lot this year (we certainly have). Possibly something to do with weather/growing conditions?

Might be worth searching for it as sadly have no advice on how to get rid of it......

 

[rextherobber]

If you can join the Facebook group, Land management for Horse Owners, they are super helpful, and have files on various topics, clover being one of them. Can't remember what they said to do though, sorry!

 

[Midlifecrisis]

Clover moves in where grass has been lost..I’ve only ever found the solution to be kill off the clover and reseed ?

 

[pistolpete]

Yep clover takes over in situations of over grazing. It’s strong roots are no match for ordinary grass. Red clover is not good for horses. White isn’t harmful but they often won’t eat it amd if they do it’s very rich. Strimming is a start but I also think you’ll have to re seed.

 

[myheartinahoofbeat]

Thanks everyone. Interesting to hear that it is a big year for clover. That is a relief. The field it has got the biggest hold on has barely been grazed because it gets so wet in winter. I'll check out the Facebook page and look into re seeding next year

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Put some sheep on the land. Just before we opened up our grazing to both horses and sheep, we noticed that we had a lot of white clover, and that there was a lot in neighbour's fields. The sheep soon dealt with it, they really do improve grazing immeasurably.

 

[I'm Dun]

Put some sheep on the land. Just before we opened up our grazing to both horses and sheep, we noticed that we had a lot of white clover, and that there was a lot in neighbour's fields. The sheep soon dealt with it, they really do improve grazing immeasurably.

I've got 2 sheep and only 2.5 acres of paddocks and theyve not even dented the clover or docs, so if you get sheep you need a fair few of them!

 

[Pearlsasinger]

They won't eat the docks!

 

[I'm Dun]

They won't eat the docks!

They do, I've seen them eating them. But they eat so little even on a tiny acreage I dont really see any benefit from them grazing wise.

 

[milliepops]

You need my weed clearing yearling ?