Mares urine killing grass?

[Shettyman]

Hi I have a 15 year old Shetland and her urine seems to be killing our paddocks grass. Also I have noticed in her stable she does a large amount of urine overnight which has an exceptionally strong smell of ammonia. Is this normal or something i should be concerned about I am relevant new to horse/pony ownership thanks in advance.

 

[Nugget La Poneh]

It normally means too much protein in the diet. Or a very sudden decrease in food which means the horse is breaking down reserves too quickly.

 

[Clodagh]

Having had geldings for years I have 2 mares here for the summer and they are killing the grass as well. They are both living out and only eating grass, their wee is smelly too, compared to the boys.

 

[Happy Hunter]

My girl has only grass, and no sudden decreases.
Unfortunately, sometimes It happens - In Autumn the patches get better.

Thankfully my mare keeps peeing in the same spot.

I will watch other replies with interest though.

 

[irishdraft]

I have 3 mares here pony,cob & draught all have dead grass patches in their fields, all out at grass no other feed, I wouldnt worry, the grass will recover & i doubt anything wrong with your mare.

 

[Gloi]

We have a bare patch in the geldings field too as they always wee in the same spot.

 

[Nugget La Poneh]

Out of curiousity, I have been looking at those dog rocks you put in dogs water bowls - do they work for dogs? Would a couple or three in a horses water bucket do the same thing?