Winter Damage to Horse Pastures

 

The 2017-2018 winter was tough on pastures. If your horses weren't on a dry lot, your pastures will likely need some renovation this spring.

 

Many horse farm owners are looking with dismay at the damage that their horses inflicted on their pastures if they were turned out during this challenging winter season. Fluctuating temperatures, frequent freezing and thawing, and above average moisture has produced muddy conditions and extensive damage to the pasture forages. Development of properly designed heavy use areas (animal concentration areas / sacrifice lots) with a good base for drainage and screenings for surface materials can be used to protect pastures during adverse weather conditions.

 

If you are not fortunate enough to have ACAs on your farm and had to turn horses out on pastures, you are most likely going to have to reseed and repair damage to your pastures. The fact sheet Basic Pasture Management for the Equine Owner provides tips you can use to successfully maintain and improve your pasture quality.