A horse pasture is not just any green meadow that grows on its own. In order for horses to graze on it in summer, a horse pasture must be maintained meticulously and with expertise.
How do you properly care for a horse pasture?
Properly caring for a horse pasture includes preparatory measures in spring, fertilizing as needed, weed control, cleaning cuts and combating pasture parasites. Regular soil analysis, special seed mixtures and targeted lime applications contribute to optimal pasture quality.
Preparatory measures in spring
The grazing season in this country runs from April to October. To ensure that the horses have good pasture right from the start, the first preparatory care measures such as towing and rolling must be carried out in early spring.
Tip
Conduct a soil analysis approximately every three years in early spring. This means you still have enough time to prepare the upcoming fertilization using the knowledge you have gained.
Fertilize as needed
Fertilize the pasture with a fertilizer suitable for horse pastures (€53.00 on Amazon). For example, with calcium cyanamide or a special commercial fertilizer. You should only use horse manure in exceptional cases and then only after it has been composted.
Wait until at least mid-March before fertilizing, as nutrients cannot be absorbed in sufficient quantities before the start of the new growing season. Fertilize according to the manufacturer's instructions and, if possible, shortly before rain is forecast.
If the soil is acidic, you can lime it in the spring with carbonated lime or another lime preparation and thus raise the pH value.
Fighting weeds
A horse pasture that has bare spots after use in the summer must be repaired with reseeding. Otherwise, these gaps will quickly be occupied by so-called weeds. Use a special seed mix suitable for horses. The following also makes sense:
- Fertilizing with lime nitrogen
- promotes undergrasses, suppresses weeds
- Pay attention to “immigrated” plants and remove them early
Note:Plants that are poisonous to horses, such as ragwort, can also spread in a horse pasture. Its spread must be combated immediately with recommended measures.
Perform cleaning cuts
Regular cleaning cuts throughout the year are an indispensable part of care. This removes excess feed and promotes hub density. This also prevents the seeding of unwanted herbs.
The ideal mowing height is 5-7 cm. If there is a large amount of clippings, drive it away. A final cleaning cut in late autumn improves the weather resistance of the horse pasture.
Fight pasture parasites
Using calcium cyanamide already kills many parasite eggs. In addition, horse manure must be collected promptly and removed from the pasture.
