Horse Paddock Care - Yearly Planner

Spring Paddock Maintenance

Summer Paddock Maintenance

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. 

• 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.

Autumn Paddock Maintenance

Winter Paddock Maintenance

• 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.

• 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.