Mowing a paddock

[Nbuuifx]

We are new owners of a 3 acre paddock, but the grass is a bit too long to put the horses on. One of which would just eat and eat for ever.

It is currently about 2 foot at the longest part and about a foot high at the lowest part.

What are the best options for this? We have a month or so before we will move the horses.

We could all around the local farms to see if one of the farmers will cut it.

We could buy a second hand ride on mower, would a 42" mower be up to the job?

It slopes up gently.

 

[Vodkagirly]

Personally I would leave it and strip graze it. Could you get some electric fencing to reduce intake? Topped grass grows back strongly and tends to be rich and cause more issues.
I tried to mow the verges at the stables and the long grass just wrapped around the blades and jammed it but I guess it depends on the mower.

 

[bonny]

Could you make hay first before grazing it ? Horses will just make a mess with grass that long so I would cut it first before you turn them out if possible.

 

[Burnttoast]

I'd restrict access and encourage movement by putting a track round the perimeter. When you run short of grass on the track I'd then graze the middle for a short period each day, depending on weight, and then rest again going into winter so you have a good base to the sward. I'd then rest the track over winter and graze the middle. You can do this on an annual basis if you need to restrict grass in spring/summer.

 

[Ouch05]

A domestic sit on mower should not cope this the length or the size of the paddocks. A paddock topper (on the back of a quad/4x4) would be better but agree with with making hay, strip grazing or track system so you don't waste any grass.

 

[Above the snowline]

I'd restrict access and encourage movement by putting a track round the perimeter. When you run short of grass on the track I'd then graze the middle for a short period each day, depending on weight, and then rest again going into winter so you have a good base to the sward. I'd then rest the track over winter and graze the middle. You can do this on an annual basis if you need to restrict grass in spring/summer.

Best answer so far

 

[Maxidoodle]

A ride on mower will definitely not cope with this length of grass. I would get a farmer to cut it and remove it, ours grew too long before we moved into our last house in the UK and then it started to fold over and get mouldy undernesth, so couldn’t get grazed. The farmer then didn’t come back to collect it and we had to do two acres by hand (never again).

 

[twiggy2]

My understanding is longer courser grass is lower in sugar and higher in fibre and cutting it will increase the sugar.
I would do as Burnttoast says its a very good option

 

[meleeka]

I'd restrict access and encourage movement by putting a track round the perimeter. When you run short of grass on the track I'd then graze the middle for a short period each day, depending on weight, and then rest again going into winter so you have a good base to the sward. I'd then rest the track over winter and graze the middle. You can do this on an annual basis if you need to restrict grass in spring/summer.

This is what I do every year. It’s never too long that it falls over and I have grass into winter. As mine are small natives I have a D shape in the inner fence so I can just move a few posts each day and fence off what’s been eaten. I can usually go around twice before the Autumn flush is over.

 

[sport horse]

I would find a friendly farmer and ask him to either take a cut of silage/haylage off it now or else make hay in a few weeks.

 

[Goldenstar]

A domestic sit on mower should not cope this the length or the size of the paddocks. A paddock topper (on the back of a quad/4x4) would be better but agree with with making hay, strip grazing or track system so you don't waste any grass.

they will if you have the right one with a mulching deck I have been managing my land with one for thirty years .

 

[J&S]

Could you make hay first before grazing it ?

When we first moved onto our land there was so much grass the ponies only were allowed on a tiny part of it. Come May grass was really growing up like a meadow, local contractors came in and we got 52 bales off it which was very satisfactory! So inexpensive too.

 

[Nbuuifx]

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm still slightly undecided, we spoke to the closest farmer's son, who said his dad may well be up for cutting it - just need to speak to him at some point.

I think it is just about getting too long now for the horses and we are unlikely to get them moved for a good few weeks so it is going to be even worse.

I've been putting a post and rail fence in and have had to use a strimmer to cut a path for me to work in as it is that long!

 

[SoulJz]

That 3-acre patch with grass reaching 2 feet isn't ideal for horses. A 42-inch mower might struggle. Consider hiring a professional landscaping service for efficient results. Explore local landscaping jobs to find the right fit. If DIY is your thing, opt for a larger ride-on mower or tractor. For long-term management, consider the Aroundwire platform to control grazing and prevent overeating. Safety first when mowing, especially on slopes.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

This thread is from last year so they have probably solved there long grass issue by now.

 

[Rowreach]

If you're not moving the horses on for a good few weeks I'd be keeping it as foggage and thinking you are very lucky!

 

[Rowreach]

This thread is from last year so they have probably solved there long grass issue by now.

Flip sake, didn't read the earlier comments

 

[Nbuuifx]

Haha, yes we'll and truly sorted. We got someone in to bail it - opposite issue this year not enough of the stuff! Last year we got 24 bails. This year, we got 7 .

Having to buy more in ready for winter.