Picture the perfect horse farm in your mind, and you probably envision contented horses grazing velvety green fields that roll away in every direction. When you visit an actual horse pasture, however, reality often includes manure piles surrounded by clumps of coarse grass; patches of bare dirt that show the beginnings of an erosion problem; a few muddy areas with poor drainage; and an amazing variety of healthy, vigorously growing weeds. Turning the reality into the dream is not impossible, but it does take a measure of time and effort.

Naturally good

Forage is an absolute requirement to keep the equine digestive tract functioning properly, and grasses and legumes can also contribute a significant percentage of the horse’s nutrient needs. Therefore, pasture management isn't just about pretty fields; it's mostly about ensuring steady development of young horses and continued health in mature animals. If landowners were not in a hurry and had plenty of financial resources, the best way to achieve those perfect paddocks would be to relocate the horses, remove existing vegetation, and establish the desired grasses and legumes "from the ground up." For most horse owners, however, this process is not practical because of limited turnout areas. The alternative–pasture renovation–is quicker, and the horses can usually be managed on part of the property while the rest undergoes improvement. While it may not be realistic to expect renovated pastures to look like golf courses or manicured lawns, proper management steps can improve almost any pasture. These steps still involve some time and expense, but the rewards–better nutrition for horses as well as an aesthetic benefit–are usually well worth the investment