With increased sun and less rainfall, summer can be undesirable to horse properties that rely heavily on grazing to feed their horses. With the summer months comes the potential for:
- Drought
- Dried out pasture
- Bare patches in paddocks
It can be difficult to drought proof a horse property. Learning to manage the land well can help to decrease the negative impact that summer may have. Management practices that can be undertaken include decreasing the stocking rate per paddock, so that fewer horses are grazing over more land, and rotating paddocks to allow some to spell whilst others are being grazed down.
Bare patches in paddocks can be covered with plant matter to keep moisture in the soil and provide nutrients back to the area to encourage pasture growth. Removing horses from affected parts will help to stop these from getting worse.
A lack of pasture can be of concern, so purchasing bales of hay at a time when they’re in abundance and therefore cheaper can be a smart move. This is only possible if there is somewhere sufficient to store the hay until it is needed. Growing plants on the property that can be used as fodder is another great way to combat a lack of pasture as well as provide effective windbreaks.
Fire Safety on the Equine Property
The threat of fires is commonly a concern toward the end of spring. Pastures start to dry off and temperatures soar. Decreasing the affect a fire would have on the property needs to be considered and acted upon before this time. This may involve:
- Getting rid of fallen branches and twigs
- Cleaning out gutters of facilities and houses
- Making sure staff are aware of plans in case of a fire
- Having somewhere to move horses in case of a fire
Laneways can be an effective way to move a large number of horses quickly if necessary. Making sure that fences along laneways are durable and the footing is easy going for horses would be of benefit at this time. Organising a transport company or the use of a friend’s horse truck would also be worth preparing in advance.
Summer months if managed well don’t have to mean a lack of pasture for horses and a dramatic increase in feed bills. Dealing with problems as they are found and anticipating issues due to seasonal changes will assist in keeping the property in order.
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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