10 Steps to a Healthy Productive Horse Pasture, continued... Follow these 10 steps and your pastures


should be well on their way to becoming more productive. If you need additional assistance, seek out the extension agent in your county or the local conservation district. Both provide free con- sultations to horse owners regarding pasture management.


Happy horse grazing! About the Author: Dr. Amy Burk is an Associate


Figure 5: Loafi ng lots are well-drained areas of land at least 600 square feet per horse that contain shelter, hay and water sources.


ries of smaller pastures more frequently so that pasture grasses can rest. Productive pastures are possible with a higher stocking rate, however the farm operator must use a high level of pasture management.


Step 10. Reseeding With the Proper Species at the Right Time


If a full or partial pasture renovation is


needed, make sure to buy seed that is a for- age-type variety that has been developed for pastures, not for lawns and athletic fi elds. Many companies sell pasture mixes espe-


cially for use in horse pastures. Species like tall fescue, orchardgrass, bluegrass, and white clover are all well-suited to growing in horse pastures in this area. If you have broodmares, select a novel endophyte tall fescue that will not negatively impact her reproductive per- formance. Pasture species to avoid in horse pastures include timothy because it does not


withstand heavy grazing, and red clover be- cause it can cause slobbers in horses.


Professor and Coordinator for the Equine Studies Program at the University of Maryland. She oper- ates a rotational grazing demonstration site that is used to teach horse farm operators how to better manage their pastures for the health of their horses and for the environment.


Figure 6: Keeping too many horses on a small plot of land will most likely result in a bare dirt lot.


ARENAS


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K&L Contracting | Dave Wisner, Owner | 3750 Black Rock Road, Upperco, MD 21155 Cell 410-952-9610 | DaveWisnerKL@gmail.com | klcontractingllc.com


24 | THE EQUIERY | APRIL 2018 800-244-9580 | www.equiery.com


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