Horses and Preserving theNatural Environment
by Jane T ery, MHC Farm Stewardship Committee Chair
Are horses good for the environment?
With good management practices, horse farms can be champions for a clean envi- ronment. T ere are now more horses in the United
States than ever in history. In Maryland there are more horses per square mile than in any other state in the country. About one quarter
of Maryland’s agricultural
land is in horse farms. With increasing interest in environmen-
tal action and a strong commitment to protecting the health of the Chesapeake Bay, there is an ongoing discussion of how our horse industry does and could do more to contribute to a “greener” world. Horse farms have some great environ-
mental features. Unlike cows, sheep and goats, horses are not ruminants so do not produce the powerful greenhouse gas methane. Horses are grazing animals and thrive on healthy pastures. T e grasses of a well-managed pasture fi lter water, fi x carbon in the soil, provide open space and wildlife habitat. Woodlots on horse farms fi x carbon and support the bird population. Horse manure that is composted and used as a soil amendment is a natural source of locally-produced nutrients. Barn and arena roofs are ideal places for solar panels to generate renewable energy.
Barns with natural light and natural ven- tilation are good for horses and reduce en- ergy use. Trail riders connect to the natural world and promote the protection of and access to public lands. T e larger horse farms with plenty of
pasture are great for the environment. Smaller farms are a plus if the pastures are not overstocked and get regular mowing, overseeding, dragging and fertilizing as needed. Soil samples are a great guide to targeting needed nutrients. Keeping horses near population centers
benefi ts the general public by enhanc- ing the visible landscape and preserving open space, but it can be challenging as open land is scarce and expensive. Extra care and investment are needed to avoid overstocking fi elds and paddocks, manag- ing manure and controlling run-off from barns, arenas, parking lots and riding rings. T ere are three strong reasons for making this investment. First and foremost is the health of the
horses. Suffi cient space to move around supports the horses’ circulatory and diges- tive systems that are designed for regular movement. Elimination of mud prevents thrush and scratches. Proper manure management reduces the parasite and fl y population. Fresh air reduces the transfer of pathogens and allergens. Well-drained and springy riding surfaces protect ten- dons and ligaments.
Second, horse owners, stable clients and especially the younger generation are in- creasingly serious about the environmental impact of their activities. How “green” are equestrian sports, and all sports activities, is now part of the discussion for managing practice and competition venues. Putting sound environmental practices in place on a horse farm and celebrating this achieve- ment is good for business and a positive image for people in the horse community. T ird, good relations with the horse farm neighbors is essential for riding establish- ments to remain accessible to recreational and competitive riders in cities and towns. Proper manure management, including proper storage and hauling off , can avoid complaints of leaking piles and fl ies. Wa- ter control is important to minimize ero- sion and run-off onto others’ property. Of course, quality fencing and a neat appear- ance is welcome in any community. Yes, horses can be champions of a clean,
green environment. Horse farms can help fi x carbon, clean water and provide wild- life habitat. Horses connect us to the natu- ral world and provide outdoor sport and recreation. And they are beautiful crea- tures. A well-managed horse farm, with rolling green pastures and grazing horses, is a wonderful sight for horse lovers and passersby alike.
Jane T ery founded the Maryland Horse Council Farm Stewardship Committee in 2011 to promote environmentally-sound practices for horse health and the natural world. During these diffi cult pandemic days where meetings are either virtual or not at all, the Maryland Horse Council uses social media to send out weekly tips on farm stewardship to our horse community. Ms. T ery’s company, Green Horse Enterprises, supports the “greening” of horse farms and competition venues in the mid-Atlantic.
www.equiery.com | 800-244-9580 THE EQUIERY YOUR MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL PUBLICATION | APRIL 2021 | 19
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