Creating a mud free horse paddock is simple; just follow our regular maintenance plan to develop a dense and nutritious sward and keep weeds to a minimum.
Spring Paddock Maintenance
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Summer Paddock Maintenance
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If you have sufficient land, work out a rotation plan or divide the paddock into sections. See Maintenance.
- Harrow - to pull out the dead grass and aerate the soil.
- Fertilise - use horse safe paddock fertiliser to help promote grass growth (refer to manufactures recommendations for rest periods afterwards).
- Level - using a roller level off rough areas. Ensure the soil is moist before rolling.
- Weed Control - remove any weeds, especially any that are toxic to horses.
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- Regular Harrowing - to keep the soil aerated and remove any dead grass.
- Control Grazing - review rotation or strip grazing plan dependent on weather conditions and grass growth to reduce the effects of over-grazing.
- Topping - keep on top of rough grass areas with regular topping and, if necessary, take a hay cut off the areas that have been rested.
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Autumn Paddock Maintenance
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Winter Paddock Maintenance
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- Control Grazing - consider the rate of grass growth and adjust rotation or strip graze accordingly.
- Consider feeding supplements - dependent on the weather there could be a decline in the nutrient state of the grass so consider putting out extra feed.
- Fertiliser - apply if required, but only on areas that aren't being grazed upon. Refer to manufacturers recommendations for rest periods afterwards.
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- Drainage - ensure the paddock is kept well drained and try to prevent any areas becoming waterlogged. This will help to keep the sward well established and dense.
- Fencing- review the paddock area and check that the fencing is adequate.
- Stocking Densities - keep the stocking of horses on each paddock to a minimum to prevent damage to the sward and help keep over- grazing to a minimum.
- Fertiliser- review whether you will need to make plans to order any fertiliser or grass seed in preparation for the spring.
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