Managing horse grazing in late spring and early summer
As grass growth accelerates through May and June, careful grazing management becomes essential for maintaining both horse health and pasture quality. Guidance from ADAS Equine highlights the importance of balancing peak pasture productivity with practical management strategies to reduce laminitis risk, protect sward longevity, and support biodiversity.
May
May brings lots of grass, blossom and flowers and hedgerows full of biodiversity. It’s a great month to consider the diversity of grass and wildflower species in your fields and the bird and bug species assisting with the pollination that results in proliferation for future seasons. It’s also the best time to identify any plants you are not sure of and to address any that might be harmful rather than helpful to have in your grazing land. This is peak growing season so you may want to limit good doers to prevent weight gain or shut up some areas to save for later, may be by strip grazing or fencing out a track system
Key actions are to manage the quality and longevity:
- Peak grass growth begins — manage intake to avoid weight gain.
- Manage the laminitis risk carefully for good doers
- Consider strip grazing or reduced turnout.
- Rest and rotate paddocks to protect longevity of the sward
- Consider topping, or plan to make hay if you have excess grazing
- Continue to monitor for weeds and remove before they go to seed.
- Rest paddocks regularly, whilst able, to preserve sward health.
June
June, the weather is generally warming up, we start to think about haymaking and stocking up for the later months. Depending on the weather we might need to consider providing our horses with some field shelter for the warmer periods, or daytime stabling maybe. Trees and hedges can be a great addition to our grazing areas allowing a degree of shade and protection from bugs and flies. They also provide a diversity of forage through the year, and are also great support for pollinators and biodiversity generally. It’s a good time of year to check your water supply and provision are sufficient. Are your troughs in good condition, and is the water supply consistent? Beware of potential pollen allergies and biting insects.
Key actions to be aware of are longevity of your grazing:
- Avoid under grazing where possible, long grasses can become stemmy and unpalatable
- Maintain your consistent grazing rotations.
- Topping or mowing excess growth after grazing can encourage a more uniform sward
- Poo pick to avoid the development of horse sick areas
- Monitor soil moisture and drought risk.
- Maintain water supply and provide shade.