Pasture Management

[Sprogladite01]

I am going to shortly be buying a property with 3 stables and 3 acres, which means I can *finally* move into the world of horse ownership (having loaned for around 10 years previously). My loan horses were kept on DIY, but obviously have never had to deal with managing grazing. I think I'm ok for once we have horses on the land, but I am not planning on buying over winter (instead planning to hack out over winter with a local stable and get to know where the good hacking routes are!) and there will be nothing on the fields until around April/May next year (if I can stick to my guns, lol). My question is, given that grass doesn't really grow a huge amount over winter, will I be ok leaving it to its own devices until spring and then just topping it? If not, any advice on how to best manage it and get it ready for horses in spring would be much appreciated

If it helps, the field is one huge pasture but is currently split into 3 one acre paddocks.

Thank you!

 

[Surbie]

I don't know about topping etc, but if you leave it, you'll be able to walk through it and see what you have - where it gets boggy, where it's drier, and whether you have any nasties growing in the field. Might help you plan things like which paddocks to use first, whether the current set up suits you or you want to change it, how the gateways are and where you are going to stick all the poo to make your life easier when it's lashing down and the field is muddy!

 

[Sprogladite01]

I don't know about topping etc, but if you leave it, you'll be able to walk through it and see what you have - where it gets boggy, where it's drier, and whether you have any nasties growing in the field. Might help you plan things like which paddocks to use first, whether the current set up suits you or you want to change it, how the gateways are and where you are going to stick all the poo to make your life easier when it's lashing down and the field is muddy!

Thank you @Surbie - all very true and all things I hadn't considered apart from the nasties! There are 2 gateways into the first paddock and I think one into the one at the bottom, so suspect they'll be at the bottom while it's dry just coz of the extra way in and out (planning to get two).

 

[Firefly9410]

Depends what type of horses , size and number as to whether enough grass naturally or need to fertilize this autumn. Harrow or poo pick would be a good idea so a hard frost can kill worm eggs and you start with clean pasture next spring.

 

[Sprogladite01]

@Firefly9410 thank you

 

[Orangehorse]

Good advice. If you have a choice look at having the stable/shelter within a corral enclosure, with gates leading out into separate paddocks. My sister had this and it meant that it was so easy for her to rotate and rest the fields and give access to the whole acreage, or just keep a fatty in the corral, or keep them penned up waiting for the farrier, etc. Think about access for taking feed, bedding and muck removal, and water of course.
Some people suggest splitting a field into 5, one for each season with one as a winter sacrifice field that can be rested for the whole year before being grazed again.

Then of course, there is the track system where you keep the horses on a narrow track with hay in one end and water at the other as it keeps them moving around much more. Several endurance people to this as it is good for feet and fitness.

 

[Sprogladite01]

@Orangehorse thank you - I like the idea of a track system but think for year one I will try out the current owner's arrangement and see how the ground holds up. The fields are in super condition so hopefully that means it's good drainage and has all been previously well cared for. Now just have to make sure I don't ruin it...no pressure lol!