Horse Paddock Care - Methods
Regular maintenance of your paddock is key to keeping your horses fit and healthy. You will need to ensure that the pasture provides a dense and nutritious sward. By using some of the simple methods below it will also help to keep weeds to a minimum and the soil free from parasites.
Over- seeding
Over- seeding is the most successful and economical way to improve horse paddocks that have open swards and damaged areas. Over- seeding can be done either by manual broadcasting or with help of a fertiliser spreader. Our Paddock Repair Grass Seed will establish quickly without disturbing grazing and is excellent for repairing poached areas along fences and in gateways.
Re- Seeding
The re-seeding of a paddock is only recommend if the damage is severe. The risk of re- seeding and the loss of use of the paddock would only be recommended in extreme situations. If re-seeding is deemed necessary we would recommend either our Classic Horse Paddock Grass Seed or Triple 'H' Horse Paddock Grass Seed which are both ideal for new paddocks.
Harrowing
For grazing land, it is advised to harrow before over- seeding. Chain harrowing opens the sward and removes dead grass for the introduction of your seed. It is important to give the new seedlings every chance to compete with the established grass, so nitrogen applications should be delayed or reduced as this stimulates growth in existing grass. Chain harrowing or rolling will also help rejuvenate the grassland. This helps to keep a regular sward and avoid any unnecessary injuries to the horses due to uneven ground.
Fertilisation
Test the soil to establish the pH. If the pH is acidic applying lime will reduce the acidity, enabling the grass to get all the necessary nutrients. Fertilisation of paddocks should take place during spring. Refer to manufacturers recommendations for rest periods afterwards.