Grazing and pasture management considerations from around the world

Good pasture management on equine operations is essential to maintaining the productivity and value of the pasture as well as providing the proper nutrients and environment to grow a healthy horse. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of horse pasture and range management and to summarize current practical recommendations. Currently, referred journal publications in this area are limited when compared to managing ruminant livestock. The consensus of the authors is that the following strategies are essential to establishing, managing and maintaining horse pastures and range sites: (1) establishment - control existing vegetation before seeding and provide rest before resuming normal stocking rates; (2) soil fertility - maintain soil nutrients through regular soil tests and use fall fertilization with N for cool season grass pastures; (3) management - use mowing and herbicides to increase desirable pasture species and control weeds; and (4) grazing - maintaining a healthy stocking rate to consume forages without overgrazing. The authors also highlight several successful pasture programs that have applications under a range of soil and climate conditions.