Grass clippings

[KINGLIAM]

hi,another paddock question,have just had my paddock toped the guy used a rought cut lawn mower and the clippings r really short,just wanted to know how long before i can turn horse out and when its safe for them to eat it,befor i have the other paddock cut .thanks

 

[Rueysmum]

This has happened to me before, but the horses were still in the paddock, cue manic raking and disposal of clippings.

If I were you I would get the the horses out if you can and rake up all the clippings and take out of the field. Best to be on the safe side. I would then leave it for a couple of weeks before putting them back in.

That's just me though. Other people may have different ideas.

 

[canteron]

This is a 'how long is a piece of string' question I guess.

If the weather if hot and the clippings are dried and not going 'hot' or mouldy then not so long. If however they are sitting in piles and fermenting then you really don't want you horse eating that!! Theoretically they could also choke on it?

Having said that my neighbour tops their fields and leaves her horse on it and they have never had any problems, I guess that is because the field is so large that there is lots of fresh sweet grass uncovered which is more palatable.

So its is just a question of judgement.

Hope this helps??!