What's the best equestrian pasture grass seed?

[Sararobynbryce]

My pasture is weak and thin and needs some help. I'm working out a proper pasture rotation plan for the coming season change and want to rest and reseed a couple of my paddocks. I'll harrow merry-hell out of all of them in the meantime.

However, I would love some recommendations on the best horse pasture seed blends?

I've been looking at Mole Valley Farmers 'Pony Paddock' blend which has:

4.00kg Premium/Entrana | Diploid | Perennial Ryegrass
3.75kg Glenveagh/Romak | Diploid | Perennial Ryegrass
1.00kg Toddington/Aston Chieftan | Diploid | Perennial Ryegrass
2.00kg Relevant/Maxima | Diploid | Creeping Red Fescue
1.00kg Arita/Senu Padjbeg | Diploid | Meadow Fescue
0.75kg Promesse/Jumis | Diploid | Timothy

I have a couple of New Foresters who do well on next to nothing so I want as lower sugar content as will be safe.

Also, does anyone recommend adding any herb seed mixes?

I've never had my own pasture before so it's all new and I want to get it right.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Micky]

Have a look on meadow mania website..there is another website for horse/pony grasses but the name eludes me at the minute..creeping red fescue is good for filling in poached areas and hoof imprints..anything without rye is good..depends on your soil type too..am sure someone else on here will have more info for you still..

 

[JennBags]

I definitely wouldn't be getting anything with ryegrass in it, you're asking for laminitis. Look at the grass seed store, they've got a good range of grasses on there.

 

[JillA]

I would be getting someone to check the Ph before you buy seed, it may just be too acid and need a good dose of lime and be okay then. Bear in mind new seed, whether ploughed and reseeded or under sown will need getting on for 18 months to establish a good enough root system to be grazed - I mowed mine for hay in its first year. Otherwise The Grass Seed Store will suggest what is best https://www.thegrassseedstore.co.uk/buy-online/horse-and-pony/ or even your local agricultural merchants will if you mention the varieties listed by THGSS.

Totally agree about ryegrass, it has something like 60 x as much sugar as meadow grasses

 

[dogatemysalad]

I would be getting someone to check the Ph before you buy seed, it may just be too acid and need a good dose of lime and be okay then. Bear in mind new seed, whether ploughed and reseeded or under sown will need getting on for 18 months to establish a good enough root system to be grazed - I mowed mine for hay in its first year. Otherwise The Grass Seed Store will suggest what is best https://www.thegrassseedstore.co.uk/buy-online/horse-and-pony/ or even your local agricultural merchants will if you mention the varieties listed by THGSS.

Totally agree about ryegrass, it has something like 60 x as much sugar as meadow grasses

We use the Grass Seed Store. Highly recommend.

 

[Gift Horse]

You don’t say how big your paddocks are. Is it an option for you to use the seed from hay?
I use the seed swept up from my hay shed, I buy in a few hundred bales of meadow hay each year and get a lot of seed about 4 x 20ltr buckets full, I broadcast it by hand over sparse areas and rest.

 

[J&S]

Meadow Mania, as suggested, a big sack of seed delivered to your door, totally suitable for ponies/horses (no ryegrass) with a free sachet of eatable meadow flowers. Do look at the site, it is very descriptive. Our grass came up really well and was strong enough to use by this summer when sown last October.

 

[chaps89]

Another recommendation for meadow mania here
I'd definitely be avoiding rye grass mixes if you have good doer natives!

 

[Micky]

That was it! meadow mania, 😂.. either them or the grass seed store both good sites and sell with no rye paddock mixes..

 

[Hack4fun]

Depends on your soil too.

 

[Goldenstar]

I think the risk of laminitis and rye when rye is in a mix is overstated however rye is not a long lived grass in a ley and therefore it’s best avoided .

 

[Orangehorse]

Cotswold Seeds will give you advice over the telephone and they have mixes for different land types too.