Summer pastures in order - Best maintenance practices
When summer comes, it doesn't matter what kind of pasture the horses are put out to graze on. Grazing offers horses the opportunity to move freely and eat natural food, but it also comes with risks that are important to recognize and manage. Well-managed summer pastures are essential for the health and well-being of horses. Proper management ensures that the pasture provides sufficient nutrition and remains safe.
Harmful plants, parasites, accidents or escapes can pose safety risks to horses during the grazing season. These risks can be reduced by proper pasture management and the use of proper fencing. In addition, the pasture area must be large enough for the number of horses grazing there.
Rotational grazing prevents overgrazing and allows pastures to recover. By dividing the pasture into smaller sections and rotating horses between them, other sections have time to recover in the meantime. Outside the grazing season, the pasture needs a break to recover from grazing. This helps new grass grow and improves soil structure.
If the pasture grows too long, horses will not make enough use of it and will skip eating the overgrown grass. Regular mowing will keep the grass at an optimal height (7-10 cm) and control weeds. Remove poisonous plants that can be harmful to horses .
