The dormancy found in the autumnal months can be best utilised to prepare for the affects of the seasons that follow. As daylight hours decrease, less time may be able to be spent outside but mild weather should provide opportunity to tidy up the equine property.
Autumn can be a great time to consider rotational management of stock for the seasons that follow. A plan of the property as well as recognised paddocks for good pasture growth, water logging, bare patches and any other information worth noting can be made use of to determine which paddocks should be utilised and when.
Pasture Management
Because forage is important to the horse’s diet and grass is the cheapest way to feed horses, pasture management should be a priority for any property owner. Autumn affords the chance to assess pastures and consider where sewing of new seed may be required. Any weeds and poisonous plants can also be identified and dealt with.
For those preferring a more natural way of eradicating weeds, rains in autumn may provide the opportunity to manually remove weeds due to soft soil. There are other methods that can also be utilised.
Winter, like spring can bring issues of water accumulation to the horse property. Waterlogged areas can be managed by adding other substances that can help with making the area more stable, using drainage systems and by relocating stock to other areas if water damage is too much.
Pasture can be lacking in winter months despite consistent rains. This is often due to an accumulation of mud and horses tearing up paddocks with their hooves. Being able to spell paddocks, fence off sections with electric tape or move horses to higher ground can assist with managing pasture issues. Providing horses with hay or limiting their time outside may also be of benefit.
Protecting Horses from the Elements
In a season where wind, rain and hail can be commonplace, providing a refuge area in a paddock will greatly benefit horses. Having effective windbreaks can provide much protection to horses.
A biting cold wind will increase the horse’s need to warm itself, thereby increasing the amount it eats. Having tree lines and shelters available to horses in less than desirable weather may save on the feed bill for that season, as well as provide increased value to the property.
Source
- Managing Horses on Small Properties by Jane Myers, copyright Jane Myers, 2005. ISBN 0 643 09067 3.
Chris Thomas - C. Thomas has studied and worked with horses since 2001. She teaches horse studies part time and is undertaking an Equine Science ...
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