One big field or divide into paddocks?

[Tronk]

If you had an 8 acre field of established pasture grazing and 2 (maybe 3 max) horses, would you divide the field up in order to rotate throughout the year? Or would you leave as one big field?

I currently have a horse and a pony on two 3 acre paddocks that I rotate - I can't quite get my head round just having one big field instead and am wondering what is the best way forward at proposed new house. I am reluctant to divide the lovely 8 acre field as it would spoil the view from the house!

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I would let them have the whole thing in winter and sub divide as required with electric tape during the rest of the year.

 

[AngieandBen]

Eight acres is a lot of grass especially for a pony, even in winter. I have 5 acres, three ponies; I use half an acre track system and strip grazed April to October . Then I start to give them biggish chunks of about quarter of acre every couple of weeks until they are on the whole lot! which is usually by February. That way they can live out and I never have to put hay out.

I can see the field from my bedroom window and you can see lots of electric fencing!

 

[L&M]

We have just under 8 acres for 3 small horses.

I keep 5 acres sectioned off for autumn/winter. The horses are out 24/7 and there is just enough grass to see them through, though do put out hay from Xmas onwards. The other 3 acres are divided into 1 acre plots which are rotated over the spring/summer.

For mine 8 acres would provide far too much grass over the summer, and poo picking would be a nightmare!!

 

[MillionDollar]

I would divide, most definitely! You need to let pasture rest otherwise it will become horse sick. Divide into two and then rotate every 2-3 months.

 

[splashgirl45]

definitely divide, 8 acres is a lot for 3 horses ...so much easier to poo pick and more efficient way to control horses/ponies weight...also some can be rested and if you have loads of grass in the summer you could take hay or haylage off it..