How long to leave topped field

[Equi]

My dad topped my field last week in prep of the foal being born (so it wasn't lost in a sea of buttercup and docks)

But how long should I leave it to mulch before using it? Foals now a week old and making do with a run in the smaller pen but I have to supervise as it's got electric tape separating it from the topped field and I panic he will get tangled.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Can you rake up the dead topped grass and weeds before turning them out on it?

 

[Equi]

I could try but it might take a while 😂

 

[TheMule]

Ours are topped with the horses still in the fields! 48hours should be fine

 

[only_me]

Our fields are topped while the horses are in it!

I'd put them out in it

 

[poiuytrewq]

Even with a lot of grass? We had one topped this morning and apparently there's mountains of grass lying. I've not actually looked yet but wondered the same. We used to top with them in but far lesser amounts of grass

 

[Equi]

We didn't really have any grass and topped it high it's more just buttercups and dock leaves that got topped. My only fear really is the foal mouthing it all and choking or colicing or something

 

[Fanatical]

I believe just until the buttercups have dried out. I am in the same position - topped mine on Monday but it's pretty much rained constantly since. Once they look dried out I will turn back out.

 

[PorkChop]

If there was a lot of grass when it was topped then I would leave until it looked properly wilted.

 

[spacefaer]

I'd be more concerned about the foal and electric tape.

 

[Goldenstar]

You must not put horses on fields where buttercups have been topped until they are fully wilted and dry .
If the horses eat them before this they can cause fitting .

 

[meesha]

Thanks goldenstar I didn't know that! I rotate 2 fields so they never go in the topped one until weeks if not months after topping but will make neighbours aware as well

 

[pennyturner]

You must not put horses on fields where buttercups have been topped until they are fully wilted and dry .
If the horses eat them before this they can cause fitting .

Didn't know this. I knew that eating them caused photosensitivity, but nothing else. What causes the fitting?

Bit late for me as I topped last week.

 

[cobgoblin]

http://saracen.equinews.com//article/buttercup-toxicity-horses

 

[Season’s Bleatings]

My dad topped my field last week in prep of the foal being born (so it wasn't lost in a sea of buttercup and docks)

But how long should I leave it to mulch before using it? Foals now a week old and making do with a run in the smaller pen but I have to supervise as it's got electric tape separating it from the topped field and I panic he will get tangled.

Last night I had a dream that I had to rake a freshly topped field with a tiny rake (think the size of a spade you'd take to the seaside). I blame you entirely!

 

[Equi]

Last night I had a dream that I had to rake a freshly topped field with a tiny rake (think the size of a spade you'd take to the seaside). I blame you entirely!

Hahahahaha!!!