Weedkiller on grazing

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bobbysox123

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My vet has suggested that i put weedkiller on a paddock for 2 laminitic ponies to reduce their grazing. I can see that this would make sense as they would be able to spend more time out, supplemented with hay, but, obviously I don't want to poison them!! I have spoken to Bayer who won't commit to giving any advice regarding the saftey of the ponies.
They both have cushings, for which they are being treated and have regular blood tests.
I am aware of grazing early in the day due to the sugars in the grass etc, but would like them be able to have more time out. Haynets are being soaked for 12 hours as well!!!
Any ideas would be welcome as right now we are down to 2 hours per day on a tiny paddock that appears to have no grass at all !!
 
Can you set up a racetrack type system, a narrow track round the edge of the field, not only do you reduce the available grass but they move around a LOT more to find what is there. I have been doing this for a few years now for my fatties, and it works really well.

I understand the reasoning behind the weedkiller but the paddock will be unusable in the winter as it will get very poached.
 
I would love to be able to borrow some sheep, but my fencing is 2 strands of permantant electric fencing. The sheep would be able walk under the lower strand of wire into ajoining fields where younger horses are grazing. I am sure they would be kicked and chased and I would end up with a bill for the consequences!!! I have considered goats!! But they are such good escape artists I don't want to risk it.
:)
 
you only need to put up electric sheep netting and they will stay in!! or put normal sheep netting fencing on the back half of the posts that have the 2 strands of electric fence on them. often if you borrow sheep the farmer will already have portable sheep fencing to stick up. just make sure your electric pony fencing is inside the sheep fencing. Goats are fun but they dont graze like sheep .. they will eat any bush, plants, trees, hedges before they eat the grass off!!
 
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