Paddock paradise track grazing system

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twodonkies

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I have had to retire two of my horses. I am luck as have my own small holding. My vet has mentioned this system of grazing- we are struggling to keep the weight off one horse as he seems to live off fresh air, and will not keep a muzzle on. We have very good grazing. Has anyone got this system in place, or uses aspects of it and has any tips/recommendations. thanks
 
We did when I kept Frank at home, it was brilliant and definitely keeps them moving more.

We had approx 3.5 acre field. set up inner track with 4 corner posts like these http://www.farmers-equipment.co.uk/posts/8333-hotline-endcorner-post.html although if you wanted to put them in wooden ones would do too, it just stops it all pulling in on eachother. We didn't run it in winter as we were clay on the somerset levels so a bit wet. We took hay off the middle (and off our other acre paddock).

Track was about this wide,
179595_10151762033585438_386965529_n.jpg

and a bit more in the corners, just to make sure no one got 'stuck' in an argument. We started with only one side open and then strip grazed round the rest then once it was circular moved the fencing in and out a bit to provide any extra grass.

they found it very tiring...

919023_10152858538590438_1599219669_o.jpg
 
I have it set up around the outside of my 8 acre hay field, and sometimes I do it around the 3 acre field depending on how many horses I have staying. It works really well, so long as you have a good electric fence set up and no horses who are experts at finding out when the current is weak! If you do it to restrict grazing so very little grass they soon suss there is loads in the centre :)
My old lead mare used to take them all for a yomp now and again - not to graze, just to walk round.

ETA I'm impressed with your vet
 
Thanks for your positive replies- I will join the FB group too. I have ordered the book Paddock Paradise. I like the idea of having this system running throughout the summer, but opening it back up for winter grazing, though I am not sure who I could get in to cut hay on such small paddocks. I am very lucky to have a great vet and trust his advice. He has been saying for a long time that the way we keep horses in this country with such lush grazing is not right. Thanks very much
 
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