how do you look after your grass?

[1987rider]

Hello
Ive recently moved to a new yard where I have been given a 2 acre field for my mare but I have to maintain it myself. I have no idea how to get the grass to grow as at my previous yard the yo looked after them for us we just poo picked.
Its been grazed on heavily over winter so its pretty bare ive section her off about 1/3 and am feeding hay is there anything else I can do? I think it needs rolling but have no idea on how to do it or wether it would be something I can do?
Any help greatly appreciated

 

[ceiron]

generally maintenance is rolling and harrowing early spring, rolling when ground is hard wont achieve anything.

you can usually get a farmer to do this for you or you need a chain harrow and vehicle and a roller obviously.

you may need to reseed grass, you can buy horse pasture mix.

just spread it and water in.

fertilising is routinely done also. again a farmer may do this for you or you will need a spreader and the fertiliser.

some poeple say keep off fertilised grass others dont, its personal preference i think.

best to fertilise before rain to wash it in though.

regular poo picking and de weeding is helpful.

also remember to remove any toxic plants such as ragwort etc ,,,,

 

[Tori]

The first thing you need to do is harrowing. If you have a 4x4 you can buy a chain harrow to tow behind it. Harrowing aerates which allows the air to get into the surface to get good grass growth. It also pulls out dead grass and weeds.
You can then fertilise if you think you need to. Be careful what you put on the grass if you do as some fertiliser are too strong and promote lush pasture suitable for cows. I have used Suregrow which is specifically for horse pasture. Follow manufacturers recommendations.
There are differing views on rolling. I don't unless the ground has quite deep ruts which don't naturally flatten out (you could just roll the bad parts). The rolling compresses the grass and doesn't allow air in to the soil which is needed for growth.
Re-seed any bare patches (horse pature mix).
Make sure you regularly poo pick and get rid of weeds plus any other undesirable things that can appear (rubbish blown in etc). I am on flinty chalk so am always flint picking!
Hopefully nature will take it's course and you'll get some good grass. Also as you've mentioned it's a good idea to section off as 2 acres of good grass is a lot for 1 horse (especially as the spring grass is coming through now!)