Winter turnout

[coen]

I am curious as to the amount of grazing needed per horse in winter.
The horses are to be stabled overnight and put out in the day.
I no the basic rule is an acre per horse but different fields are going to be used in summer so does this bring the ratio down.

 

[pottamus]

A lot depends on drainage of the field and whether the horses are just grazers or tear around the place on a regular basis. My lad is a laminitic and he will manage quite well on half to two thirds of an acre all winter but I do have to put hay down as there would not be enough grass. My soil is heavy clay so it gets a bit poached but nothing that does not grow back in the spring.

 

[coen]

Unfortunately they do tend to charge around as several are fairly young. So maybe an acre a horse would be a fair assessment. Definitely a tricky one in winter.
Thanks very much you have given me a much better idea of what is needed.

 

[AngieandBen]

I have three native ponies who live out all year; they have around 4 acres which lasts from November to end of March, depending on grass growth.

I also have clay soil

I start them off on a track which goes around the outside, gradually moving the fencing each day to allow more grass ( this stops them getting too fat and its a fab way of keeping them fit as the water is at one end!)

I have around 1 acre saved for April to October, which again I have a track system around. I never have to feed hay.

I think its always best to have as much land as you can per horse, its easily divided using electric fencing.