The ABC of Pastures: Beneficial Plants, Harmful Plants and Pasture Management
In summer, pastures provide horses with not only food, but also the opportunity to exercise and socialize with other horses in a natural environment. A well-managed pasture is an essential part of the health and well-being of horses. If a horse's summer pasture is a natural pasture, and not, for example, specifically established for that purpose, there may be harmful species among the edible plants.
Horses are careful about what they put in their mouths, but they can also accidentally eat inedible plants. This can happen especially if there is not enough other food on the pasture or if harmful plants are mixed with edible plants.
The most important useful plants for horse pastures are various grasses and forbs, which provide the necessary nutrients. Common and popular pasture plants include timothy (Phleum pratense), fescue (Festuca arundinacea), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), and white and red clovers (Trifolium repens, Trifolium pratense).
These species have, for example, a high nutrient content, good digestibility, and are durable and easy to care for. Planting different plant species ensures that a diverse plant species also withstands grazing better.
