Starvation paddocks...

[metalmare]

Everyone is being really helpful with regards to my pony's feed... but there is something else I have been stewing over. I mentioned it on the other thread but the feed discussion got more response.

When the spring grass comes back through I need to have something in place for said pony. I bought electric fencing a few weeks ago and put up a starvation paddock with huge excitement. What an anti-climax! Within a couple of weeks the clay soil was an absolute state and there wasn't enough grass to support a rabbit... still no weight loss!

The field isn't mine and I can't go spoiling and poaching it so I've had to turn him back into the main field. Not the result I was after.

This summer he wore a grazing muzzle (from about March to October). It wasn't effective.

So next spring I really want to give the electric fencing another go but is it possible to have a starvation paddock on clay soil without trashing the field?

 

[Booboos]

Unfortunately clay soil is really difficult, but what you can try is to strip graze which does require you to move the fencing every day (every other day). This gives him a little bit to eat each day, keeps him occupied and might kick start his metabolism better than outright starvation. Otherwise if you have to keep him in a large field, can you try a muzzle?

 

[metalmare]

That is regular moving - I hadn't realised it should be that often! I think I gave too large an area for too long.

He had a Best Friend muzzle this year. Forty quids worth, lovely design, but he still managed to eat through it really effectively and get fat. Also it rubbed (he destroyed sheepskin) and is looking very sorry for itself now.

Perhaps during dry spells when the ground is dry he could go in a paddock and be turned out in the main field with a muzzle on during wetter periods? Not an easy answer.

Of course what I really want is my own land so I can build a turn out area and regulate his diet... better raid the penny jar then

 

[ISHmad]

We are on clay soil and have several good doers. What has worked for us has been setting up Paddock Paradise tracks around the field. This is more effective than strip grazing as the horses naturally move around it, whereas with strip grazing there is always a fence in front of them. If you've already got the fencing it might be worth a try.