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yard, stable ‘n’ paddock


Last month we discussed in general terms, essential management to ensure good quality paddocks. Let us assume steps have been taken to establish the health of the ground with soil samples, that paddocks have been, or are about to be, harrowed, spiked, rolled and that any bare patches have been, or are in the process of being over- seeded with a suitable seeds mixture. It is important to understand that suitable seeds mixtures are different from normal agricultural mixtures for grazing or silage as horse paddocks require grass types that are lower in protein and sugar, to help avoid the risk of laminitis. Hence appropriate seeds mixtures should contain more timothy and fescue types, along with a herb mix content in order to provide trace elements and minerals in the diet.


In most cases paddocks are under pressure to supply enough grazing for the required number of animals you have and possibly conservation (hay or haylage) as well. Consideration must be given to rotating grazing


frequently throughout the season, with a rule of thumb to allow 1 horse per acre, graze for 2 weeks then allow at least 4 weeks to recover, so any grazed area would in theory, be divided into 3 separate parts or divided temporarily with electric fencing if necessary.


Fertiliser is a key component for a healthy growth of grass for either grazing or conservation. If the soil test shows a reading below 6.5pH, this shows a requirement for lime and no soil will produce any quantity or quality of grass until this is corrected. One of the easiest ways to provide this is an application of Calcified Seaweed which will reduce the acidity, resulting in more growth, better palatability and more trace elements. The type of fertiliser and quantity you need to apply for grazing or conservation will require advice from your agricultural supplier, but generally a ‘balanced’ slow release formula will be best.


This is where the use of a Logic spreader can be a huge help to get the basics right.


Many equestrian suppliers stock fertilisers in various formulas in 20kg or 25kg bags which are easy to handle and to fill the spreader hopper. As an example, for a normal grazing application of a basic formula, it would take 4 or 5 bags to fill the hopper (of the smallest Logic spreader) and this would treat 1 acre, which would take about 10 minutes to spread. Further applications of fertiliser would be applied for grazing throughout the season, or for conservation the area should be closed up and a suitable level of fertiliser applied to ensure adequate growth for cutting later in the summer.


Spreading can be carried out easily with the same EBC electro-broadcaster as used to sow grass seed mixtures, if the area is not too large - less than 5 acres (2Ha). Larger areas can be accommodated by the Logic LDS Ground Drive spreader range which can be towed by any suitable vehicle as there is no PTO requirement from a tractor and are ideal for an ATV, UTV or similar off road vehicle. Having your own spreader is a huge advantage,


so that you can apply smaller amounts when it is needed and the weather is right, rather than larger quantities when you can get someone else to carry out the work at what is often a very busy time of year for everyone.


At this point in the season, weeds are not showing much of a problem, however where there are patches of nettles or thistles in a pasture, now is a good time to ‘knock them back’. They will be utilising any fertiliser you apply, so attacking them now will allow grass to get ahead and help smother them out. Logic’s OBS On Board Sprayer range is ideal for this type of work and will sit on a wide range of vehicles, powered by the vehicle’s 12v electrical system. As well as weed control, the sprayer range is ideal for disinfectants and other cleaning products, which when used with the hose and hand- lance can quickly cover all surfaces of stable, loose box or horsebox/trailer.


Next month we will look into further weed control and the reduction of any worm burden.


PADDOCK, YARD AND ARENA EQUIPMENT


Designed and manufactured in the UK to provide top quality equipment at outstanding value for money


Harrow range to rake, overseed paddocks and level arenas


Terr-ator to aerate swards and improve drainage


1.5m or 1.8m heavy duty Ballast Roller


Control difficult areas with a Flail Mower


Easy muck collection with Pro-Sweep


Quick levelling with Pro-Grade


Fertiliser Spreaders


Power Brushes


Trailed Sprayers On Board Sprayers


See them working on video @ www.LogicToday.co.uk


www.theequinesite.co.uk 1 M62 2


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NORTH & EXPORT Hexham 01434 606661 SOUTH


Cheltenham 01285 720930 Equine Page 45


Bowser Range inc. Menage watering


Tipping Trailers


Rotary Mowers


E15-01L


BROCHURES Now available! See website for details


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