How many paddocks would I need ?

[BBH]

I have a three and half acre field I want to break down into paddocks for 2 horses and a pony and am not sure of the best way to do it. They all get on well so I don't need to separate anyone. They are out 24 / 7 in the summer and only when the weather in the day is good through the winter as they are happier inside.

I do put large haylage bales down for them, not because there's not enough grass but just because they like them and its a bit more variety.

Do most people just have a summer and a winter turnout paddock or do you have four, 2 for summer and 2 for winter so one is rested whilst the other is used.

Any thoughts please.

 

[angiebaby]

I have three native ponies; I have four summer paddocks, each around quarter of an acre, I use a track system that goes around the edge and I move the electric fence in or out depending on grass growth. This works well for me to keep weight down etc. I never feed hay in the field.

The winter paddocks, around 4 and a half acres are split into two; When one is trashed they go in the other; although I very rarely use both of them; my neighbour usually rents one off me.

 

[BBH]

Ah thats really helpful thankyou. I like the idea of the smaller paddocks in the summer but cos two of mine are big I would probably make them a little bigger. I don't need much in the winter as they don't like being out at all unless its dry and then they just want a leg stretch. Thats given me some food for thought.