The Basics of Horse Pasture Management

A well-managed pasture can provide a cheap and reliable source of feed for four to eight months of the year for most horses. Pasture management includes the following basic steps: seeding suitable species; fertilizing with manure and an application of commercial fertilizer; rotating horses out of the pasture before it becomes overgrazed; mowing to prevent weeds; and harrowing to break up manure and expose parasites to the sun.
Seeding: The ideal horse pasture combines legumes and grasses. In general, grasses offer high dry matter intake, and earlier spring and later fall grazing than legumes. They also tend to develop a thick turf which discourages weeds and reduces damage from trampling. Grasses can also reduce the risk of digestive upsets. Legumes, on the other hand, are higher in protein and mineral content, maintain or improve nitrogen fertility, and generally provide higher summer production.
Fertilizing/Soil Testing: Grasses and legumes pull water, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium out of the soil. Manure will return some of these nutrients to the soil, but the pasture will likely require an application of commercial fertilizer. For a small investment, have the soil tested and get some recommendations on nutrients required for your pasture. Soil should always be tested prior to planting.
Rotation: Horses can do extensive damage to pastures as they graze close, drop manure, and trample large areas. Rotation will allow increased production while reducing the total area needed for pasture. Graze uniformly and completely, but never below 5 centimetres high. Allow pasture to recover until growth is at least 10 centimetres high.

Mowing: If horses are spot grazing or weeds are growing seed heads, it is time to mow. Mowing or clipping after removing horses from the pasture will help to keep weeds from gaining a hold. Persistent weeds, such as Canada thistle or buttercup, may need to be treated with a timely application of herbicide (only use horse-safe herbicides!).