Winter grazing

[Highflinger]

Opinions please. I have 3 14.2 natives out 24/7 on just under 5 acres of sandy permanent pasture . Should I let them graze the whole lot and defer feeding hay until all grass gone - assuming average season end of December or would it be better to strip graze and supplement with hay so they get some grass throughout the winter even if is only a few hours per day.
Thanks

 

[Fransurrey]

I feed forage all year round, with strip grazing, to avoid digestive upset. So, I'd go with the strip grazing, rather than letting them have the lot and suddenly switching to hay.

 

[windand rain]

I find strip grazing works best for poo pickng and spreading the foggage out however I use winter to knock the weight back for Spring so dont give hay until all the grass is gone. they have a small bucket feed of grass nuts, grass chaff and if needed pink mash to carry vitamins. They have a small strip of grass and I count poo

 

[Somewhat Off The Way]

I also strip graze and top up with hay throughout the year.

 

[L&M]

We usually let them have the lot - ground doesn't get so churned up and keeps them moving more. No poo picking and harrow in the spring when they come off it.

We don't usually have to put hay out until end of january......4acres for 2 small horses out 24/7 mon - fri, then stabled at the weekends.

 

[paddi22]

yeah I'd be thew same as L&M. I just leave them to use the whole area. I find areas of 3 acres or less you just lose too much for toilets and churning in bad weather.