Is it ok to mulch paddocks?

[mintybubbles]

I'm new to owning horses and have a small paddock and I'd like to know if is it OK to use a mulcher to keep the grass short when it isn't being grazed? I'm worried as this seems a bit like leaving grass cuttings down but I've been told that it's ok as it is chopped really finely and mulched back into the ground. Does anyone have any comments or advice please?

 

[YasandCrystal]

I wouldn't be putting horses on 'mulched' paddocks. You need to allow the mulch time to rot away.It's a bit like topping really - again you should not leave your horses on it as the longer grass/weeds will start to rot and ferment and you don't want them eating that. A mulched paddock will rot away quicker than a topped one - if that makes sense. If we top - we either leave or collect and burn.

 

[Skipadeedooda]

It's ok as long as you don't put them on it straight away. Leave it a good 2-3 weeks after mulching then it should be ok.

 

[mintybubbles]

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. Our current problem is that we have a paddock and no horses as yet and I don't want the grass getting too long before they arrive. So if we do mulch it will be 4-5 weeks (possibly 6) before we put horses on the land to graze so the cuttings should have rotted away by then...would you agree or do you think is there still aproblem with doing this?

 

[Skipadeedooda]

That won't be a problem at all, go for it. I hope the horses will be happy in their new paddock.

 

[mintybubbles]

Thanks for the reassurance Skipadeedooda, we'll do that and at last realise a childhood dream of having ponies of my own...we're hoping to re-home a couple of companion ponies from the Blue Cross and I can hardly wait!

 

[Goldenstar]

Yes I have been doing this for fifteen years .
Keeps the paddocks neat and tidy .
Mow then rest it does not take long for the clippings to disappear in warm dry weather.
Only word of caution it makes the grass grow so be prepared for that.