THE exceptionally wet conditions experienced throughout February and March have created a challenging scenario for many horse breeders and land managers. Reduced grazing opportunities have led to a build-up of ungrazed grass, resulting in heavy covers and a significant carryover of winter growth.

A key principle of grassland management is that when the fourth leaf of a grass plant emerges, the first leaf begins to die off. Under current conditions, this has resulted in swards containing a high proportion of dead material. With strong grass growth expected to take off in the coming weeks, it is essential that action is taken now to minimise this dead grass.

Dead material in the sward is more than just a quality issue - it can harbour fungal growth and potentially elevated levels of mycotoxins, both of which are undesirable in equine systems. Maintaining a clean, leafy sward is therefore critical for both animal health and performance.

Grazing and sward management

Where ground conditions allow, paddocks should be grazed off tightly using cattle or sheep. Mixed grazing is an effective way of cleaning out swards and improving overall utilisation. If grass covers become excessive in the coming weeks, cutting paddocks for silage or topping may be necessary to remove surplus material.

The overall aim should be to minimise the level of dead grass in the sward. This will encourage fresh, leafy regrowth, improve grass quality, and increase utilisation by both horses and other livestock.

Repairing damaged paddocks

Fields that were used for early grazing by mares and youngstock during the winter are likely to be poached or heavily damaged. In these cases, overseeding is a practical and cost-effective solution. Following light harrowing and rolling, suitable grass seed mixes should be introduced.

Tetraploid varieties are particularly well suited to overseeding situations. Their larger seed size allows for better establishment where there is competition from existing grasses.

It is essential to base any reseeding or overseeding programme on up-to-date soil analysis. Ideally, soils should be at Index 3 for phosphorus and potassium, with appropriate pH levels maintained through liming. Full reseeding is not always necessary and should generally be reserved for fields with severe weed infestations or very poor sward composition.

Soil health and structure

Soil compaction is a common issue on horse farms, particularly around gateways and high-traffic areas. While spiking or aeration can be beneficial, it is generally more effective when carried out in the autumn rather than in spring.

The application of well-composted farmyard manure (FYM) is one of the most effective ways to improve soil structure. It enhances earthworm activity, promotes better drainage, and improves overall soil health. Target applications on compacted or heavily-used areas will yield the greatest benefit.

Improving grass utilisation

Grass utilisation on many stud farms remains below its potential, leading to reduced grass quality and higher reliance on purchased feed. Implementing a rotational grazing system can significantly improve efficiency.

A simple approach involves grazing paddocks with horses, followed by cattle or sheep to clean out residual material, and then allowing a rest period of approximately two weeks before returning stock. This system promotes higher-quality regrowth and better pasture productivity.

Grass utilisation can also be assessed by estimating annual dry matter intake from grazing, subtracting the tonnage of supplementary feed used, and dividing by the total grazing area.

Regular forage analysis, particularly in spring and autumn, is essential. Imbalances in calcium and phosphorus are commonly observed, with phosphorus levels sometimes exceeding calcium. The ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in grass should be approximately 2:1, which is critical for bone development in young horses. Where imbalances occur, appropriate mineral supplementation should be introduced to reduce the risk of developmental issues, such as osteochondrosis.

Parasite life cycles

With increasing concerns around anthelmintic resistance, pasture management is playing a more important role in parasite control. Stud farms should consider resting certain paddocks from horses for a full grazing season and instead use them for silage or grazing with other livestock. Cleaning off and resting paddocks helps to break parasite life cycles and ensures that horses return to cleaner, higher-quality grazing.

It is worth noting that approximately 60% of spring grass growth is driven by grass accumulated during the previous autumn and winter. Planning ahead is therefore essential.

Paddocks intended for early February grazing, such as nursery paddocks, should be closed in mid-October. Fields required for late February or early March should be closed in November, while those intended for April grazing should be rested from late December. This approach ensures the availability of high-quality grass with minimal dead material when it is most needed.

This spring presents both challenges and opportunities. By addressing the build-up of dead grass, improving soil health, and adopting better grazing management practices, stud farms can significantly enhance grass quality and utilisation. The result will be healthier pastures, improved animal performance, and reduced reliance on supplementary feeding.

Tim Bourke is an agricultural environmental advisor and a member of the Agriculture Consultant’s Association (ACA).