Pasture Type:
There are a number of situations that can be discussed when determining pasture type. Pastures that may be discussed include:
- new pasture establishment,
- renovating existing pastures,
- managing and maintaining existing pastures, and
- developing exercise pastures.
Establishing New Pastures:
Two things must be considered before establishing a new pasture for horses. First, do you want a temporary or permanent pasture? Second, if a permanent pasture is desired, do you want to seed a native grass stand, domestic grass stand, or a domestic grass-legume type stand? Since this publication is designed for horse pastures, seeding a domestic grass or domestic grasslegume stand is recommended.
If your intent is to graze horses with cattle throughout the entire grazing season (approximately six months in North Dakota), then a native grass mixture may be desired. If you are interested in seeding native grass mixes, Planting Tips…Rangeland, Pastureland and Hayland,” and contact your local county agent or Soil Conservation Service office for assistance in determing a grass seed mixture for your location.
Temporary or Annual Pastures:
Several annual grasses can provide temporary pasture for horses. Planting in separate fields at staggered dates can provide full season grazing on temporary schedules (Table 2). Small grains (oats and barley) can provide short-term pastures for one to two months. Oats and barley should be planted in April at the rate of 2 bushels of seed per acre to provide pasture during June and July.
Follow soil test recommendations to apply phosphorus and potassium and use only a small amount of nitrogen. You can add additional nitrogen after the small grains emerge. Weeds can be a problem, so plan and prepare a firm, clean seedbed before planting. Do not allow grazing until plants reach heights of 6 to 8 inches.
Winter wheat will furnish pasture in both fall and spring for limited periods. Prepare seedbed and fertilize as recommended for other small grains. Plant from August 1 to October 15 at the rate of 1 to 1.5 bushels of seed per acre.
The earlier planting date may allow a short fall grazing pasture, but do not allow grazing of plants shorter than 4 inches. Do not graze in the spring until plants have grown to a height of 8 inches.
Though sudangrass and sudan-sorghum hybrids make good hay and temporary pasture for most classes of livestock, they are not recommended for horse pasture. Sudangrass and sudan-sorghum hybrid seeds are labeled with warnings not to be used as horse pasture due to “cystitis syndrome” in horses.
Foxtail and proso millets are also not recommended as the sole source of feed for horses. The chemical glucoside setaria is found in these millets and has reportedly caused illness or even death to horses.
Pearl millet does not contain glucoside setaria and will provide safe summer and early fall grazing for horses. Plant into a weed-free, firm, moist seedbed after all danger of frost is past (soil temperatures of 65-70 degrees is recommended). If broadcast seeding, plant 15 to 20 pounds of seed per acre, or 7 to 10 pounds per acre if seeding into 30 to 42 inch rows.
Plant at shallow depths no deeper than 1 inch. Follow soil test recommendations to apply phosphorus and potassium and use 40 to 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre. Allow 24 to 30 inches of plant growth before grazing, removing the animals when 4 to 6 inches of stubble remains. Allow 12 to 18 inches of regrowth before regrazing. Rotational grazing is recommended with pearl millet.
Permanent Pastures:
Permanent pastures are usually the best method for providing a nutritional forage for horses. Here are suggested steps for establishing a new pasture or re-establishing one that is predominantly bare ground and weeds. These steps will include fertilizing, seedbed preparation, possible seed mixtures for North Dakota, and weed control.
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