In the last part of this series we cover how to put the winter paddock to good use and integrate it into your pasture management system.
Once you have your sacrifice area properly set up to be mud-free and chore-efficient, you are ready to integrate your sacrifice area into your pasture management program. It starts out like this: in the winter when the ground is wet or frozen and the plants are dormant, keep your horses confined to their sacrifice areas. In the summer when the majority of the grass in your pasture is grazed to about 3 to 4 inches, take your horse(s) off the pasture and keep them in the sacrifice area. Allow them back on pasture when only after grass has regrown to about 6 to 8 inches.
During the summer, practice good pasture management by keeping the golden rule of pasture management in mind: graze pastures no shorter than 3 inches. This ensures that the grass plants have enough reserves left after grazing to permit rapid regrowth and healthy plants. Vigorous plants will out-compete weeds, grow new leaves (called tillers), utilize nutrients more effectively, and will prevent soil erosion and mud come next winter. Put horses back on pastures when grass has regrown to about 6 to 8 inches.
Remember to begin spring grazing time for your horse gradually – too much pasture can cause serious problems, especially in the spring when grasses are green and lush. Begin pasture grazing time in short intervals, starting with about an hour at a time. Over a period of weeks you can work up to several hours. If you have any questions on this consult your veterinarian for his or her recommendations.
One final note: Even though your horses can move around in their sacrifice areas, they still need regular exercise. Be sure to plan for and maintain a regular exercise program for your horse.
By utilizing a sacrifice area this winter you will be creating a healthier pasture for next summer. Healthier pastures mean greater pasture productivity and less money spent on supplemental feed and vet bills. Healthy pastures have the added benefit of making happier, healthier horses, a prettier picture for you and your neighbors – and a cleaner environment for all.
Good horsekeeping to you!
In January join Horses Clean Water at this event to be held on Alayne Blickle’s demonstration farm. Also, check out the website, www.HorsesforCleanWater.com, for new classes being added regularly:
Caring for Your Horse and His Home Are you new to horse ownership or do you have children who want a horse? Do you know what the regular health, dental and shoeing needs are for horses? Would you like to learn about shelters requirements and horse-safe fencing? Join HCW for an all day workshop geared for novice horse owners. Topics include horse behavior, horse & handler safety, planning your horse facility, how to buy a horse, nutrition & feeding, vet & farrier care, and pasture, manure & mud management. The workshop will be taught at Alayne Blickle’s demonstration farm using her horses for the hands-on portions. The goal for the class will be to provide an introduction to the components of good horse management and the resources and professionals available to you as a horse owner. The cost for the workshop is $125/person for those who register before January 20th, $175 for late registration. Materials provided include Horses for Clean Water manual ($25 value), educational handouts on topics covered as well as a certificate of course completion. Hot drinks & light refreshments will be provided. Bring a sack lunch and dress warmly as parts of the day will be held outside. 9am to 4:30pm, Saturday, January 28th, 2006. Maple Valley, WA. To register or for more information contact Alayne@horsesforcleanwater.com or 425-432-6116.
Copyright © 2008 The NW Horse Source, LLC
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