4 Steps for Safe and Healthy Pastures

March 25, 2023

For horse owners, Spring is a time when we should be thinking about preparing our pastures for the grazing season ahead. Sustaining healthy pastures and keeping the safety of horses in mind means creating an action plan for upkeep and turnout. Thoughtful planning can make sure that your horse farm and pastures are set up for long-term success - not just this Spring. 

Here are 4 steps to consider when it comes to pasture maintenance this Spring:    

Pasture Manicure

Harrowing pastures can help matted grass to stand up which will allow for quicker growth of new grass. The harrow will also help move patches of leaves that were missed in the fall. This type of activity allows for better air circulation, water distribution, and nitrogen penetration to the roots. When crossing over the fields, organic matter will be evenly dispersed into the soil, stimulating growth. Stronger growth earlier in the season allows for roots to take hold and will increase the number of days horses can be turned out to graze.  

Mud Management

Horses do a great job of making mud, the weight of their bodies distributed on four relatively small hooves, coupled with quick movements and a desire to run can spell disaster for pastures in the spring.  Fortunately, there are mud management hacks that can help in the spots that tend to accumulate the most muddy messes. Our Mud Control Grids are an innovative product that can be applied directly over muddy areas. They work great around gates, watering troughs, feeders, loafing sheds, and barn doors. They are easy to install and can be moved around where needed. We recommend that every horse farm should have some of these handy grids to help mitigate mud. 

Fencing Safety Check

As the weather gets nicer, horses that have been relegated to stalls or turnout lots through the winter may be looking forward to venturing into larger pastures this spring.  Before horses are allowed access to pastures that may have been fallow over the last season, it is important to do a maintenance check of all the fence lines.  Over the winter, damage to fencing can be caused by fallen limbs, ice storms, or even deer running through pastures. Making fence line checks a regular part of the farm maintenance schedule will keep horses safe and contained. 

Thinking about adding new fencing or upgrading the fence you have? Consider our HDPE fencing for your pastures, stall runs, and horse farm's perimeter. Our fencing is 100% made in the USA using 100% virgin plastic to produce the highest-quality and most durable fencing. Our HDPE material and double-ribbed design ensures that it is safe, exceptionally durable, and beautiful. 

Gradual Grazing

If horses have not been out on pastures for a while, it is important to re-introduce grass into their routine gradually. This means slowly adding turnout time and monitoring the horses closely to ensure that they are not overindulging. Using turnout lots in conjunction with pastures is a great way to keep tabs on how much grazing time horses get. Consult with your veterinarian for best practices and guidance on introducing your horse to spring pastures in order to help prevent instances of colic or laminitis. Utilizing rotational grazing can also be helpful for introducing grass back into your horse’s diet and keeping pastures in great shape through the grazing season. 

Preparing for your barn for the summer isn't everyones favourite thing so we compiled a few tips for you to tackle each room one at a time.

Extra Tip – An Equine Architect

One last recommendation is to hire an expert equine architect. This recommendation is especially pertinent for those that are purchasing a new property. However, it can also be useful for those with existing properties. The right equine architect can help you develop a masterplan for your property's long-term use. An architect will help you decide where to best place your barn, arena, pastures, paddocks, and other structures on your land. Our team is always happy to connect our clients with the right architects to help develop a masterplan for your property's long-term sustainability. 

If you have questions about the health of a pasture, local extension offices can be a great place to get information that is location specific. Investing in pasture maintenance will create a safe and healthy environment for your horses to enjoy.  Learn more about how our American Stalls team can help with pasture solutions from Mud Control Grids to HDPE fencing, give our team a call at (855) 957-8255 or send us an email at sales@americanstalls.com. We look forward to assisting you! 

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