Horse grazing organization: How to ensure horse health and sustainable pasture management

Horse nutrition is becoming more and more diverse, and manufacturers are developing new concentrates and supplements. But there is one thing that nature does perfectly: juicy green grass. All the necessary proteins, vitamins and minerals are literally under your feet! Combined with fresh air and exercise, grazing is a formula for health for your horse. However, organizing horse grazing requires careful planning.

Help nature to help you

Natural pastures may seem like the ideal solution, but it doesn't mean just taking and giving nothing in return. The result is predictable: the pasture will quickly become depleted. Successful horse grazing is based on a sustainable approach. This includes area planning, plot rotation and lawn care.

Pasture by budget

The beginning is in the correct calculation of the area. Units such as "large" or "there is room for everyone" are not acceptable. The minimum area that ensures comfort for horses and normal survival of the pasture is 1.5-2.0 hectares per mare with a filly. The most effective way to organize horse grazing is a turn system (rotational grazing). The pasture is divided into fenced plots (turns). Horses are moved to the next plot after they have used up the grass on the previous one.

It is important to know that a horse eats only 50-65% of the grass. After the horse, cattle can be released onto the same plot, and in some countries they are even grazed together. It is then recommended to mow the rest of the grass and apply fertilizer. In addition to natural fertilizer, especially cow manure, nitrogen fertilizer can also be used. It is important to clean the plot of horse manure after grazing, because horses will not graze where they smell their own waste. Irrigation is of vital importance, especially in warmer parts of Croatia. It is best to water the grass in the morning and evening.

Spring, summer, autumn, winter... Spring again

Special attention should be paid to the first days of grazing after winter. Both the grass and the horses need to get stronger. The grass cannot recover quickly yet, and the horses are not used to large amounts of green mass. In Croatian conditions, grazing usually begins in mid- or late April. In the first days, grazing time should be limited to 2-3 hours a day, combining grass with hay. The time is gradually increased. Excellent organization of horse grazing also includes regular deworming (deworming) of horses before going out to pasture, in order to prevent infection.

Everyone take cover!

For the comfort of the horses, it is necessary to provide shelter. Trees in the pasture provide shade, but they should be protected by a fence so that the horses do not damage them. It is also ideal to have a simple canopy or stable in the middle of the pasture where the horses can take shelter from the rain or heat, and where they can also be given concentrated feed. Quality organization of horse grazing also includes such protective structures.

Without water – neither here nor there

Water in the pasture is vital. It is best to provide automatic waterers connected to the water supply to ensure the quality and availability of water. An adult horse drinks 50-60 liters of water per day, and foals 30-40 liters. If a natural water source such as a river or stream is used, it is essential to check the quality of the water by analysis. Watering places must have safe access.

Boys on the right, girls on the left

To minimize conflict situations, horses should be grouped according to size, age, sex and temperament. Weaned foals and yearlings should be grazed separately. It is absolutely essential not to keep uncastrated stallions together in the same pasture. Mares, however, generally get along well in all age groups.

Organizing horse grazing becomes logical and clear when you understand that it is a long-term investment. If you truly want your pasture to remain green and productive for a long time, and your horses healthy and strong, this can be achieved with proper planning and management.