Reseeding grass paddocks.

[sare_bear]

I am in the process of putting grass down on some land I have just purchased.

I am wondering what people use for horse pasture. I will be using the land for a mix of retirees, mares and young stock. I will also be taking a hay crop off the field too. The land is limestone and can get dry in summer, if that makes any difference.

What type of seed do people use. A standard horse and pony pasture mix, contains 50% perennial ryegrass and 50% meadow and herb mix. Is this typically what most people use or would you use all meadow grasses?

Any advice would be great.

Thanks

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I would look for a more traditional horse and pony pasture mix. Ryegrass is not good for equines, it can be a contributory factor in cases of laminitis.

 

[JillA]

As ^^^ - avoid ryegrass, it has 300 x the sugars in more traditional grasses, as well as clover, which is often the cause of problems. Look for a good agricultural suppliers in your area and have a chat, ours has specific mixes for horse paddocks. These people have two non ryegrass mixes http://www.thegrassseedstore.co.uk/equine-grazing/horse-pasture-grass-seed.html

 

[ElleSkywalker]

I have used the non ryegrass mix from the grass seed store. It's very good and they are excellent

 

[sare_bear]

HI. Thanks, just wondering if having non rye grass mix will affect my hay / haylage? Some of my horses don't seem to like pure meadow hay. If it was just for grazing I would just use the non rye mix. Does everyone feed non ryegrass hay / haylage too? Thanks.