Moving onto new pastures.

[rema]

Hello all.I'm sadly having to move my two horses due to high costs of fuel to get to them every day.I have very luckily found a lovely farmer who will rent me a field.The field is about 3 acres of good (only been grazed by sheep) grass.My horses have been on grass that has kept them well but not over abundant in grass the last seven years.My problem is what would be the best way to introduce them to the very good grass without risking laminitis?.I will split the field into four quarters of about 3/4 of an acre with electric fencing anyway to keep it rested and rotated.Should i strip graze them in a quarter first or let them eat down a quarter?.I have no stable/shelter at the field yet.Any advice would be great.Thanks.

 

[Echo Bravo]

No it sounds sensible in what you want to in the first place, split the grazing in quarters, that way they don't over graze or poach the ground.

 

[rema]

Thank you for your reply.Touch wood neither of them have suffered with lami before and i would like to keep it that way.They have come out of this winter looking okay but not fat but they will both stuff their faces on the good grass.

 

[fitzaud2]

yes, I think that splitting it is the best way to do it, and you have enough grass all year round that way, once you look after it. best of look in your new place!!!

 

[Rose Folly]

Yes, split the grazing into quarters rather than strip graze it. Rests the ground better, and the farmer will thank you for it!

 

[rema]

Thank guys for your help.It is always good to get other peoples opinions.Thanks again.

 

[CBFan]

What you have thought of sounds a good idea but may be worth you asking farmer if he could run the sheep on it for a few days / weeks before you move there just to chomp it down a bit (but don't let him over graze it!)... maybe giving it a couple of weeks to rest before you move your neds on... it wouldn't (just) be lami I'd worry about with long grass it would be colic too...

 

[rema]

Hello.The sheep have not long been off the grass,maybe about 3 weeks ago.Have been down to the field today and it is only fairly lush at the top of the field,the bottom half has some rougher grass.My big lad has had gassy belly once before so you are right i do need to watch him closely.Thanks.