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When it comes to horses' grazing requirements, it's crucial to recognize the distinctions of sheep and cattle and ensure the pasture meets their specific needs.
In their natural environment, horses enjoy unrestricted access to a diverse array of plant species, dedicating approximately 16 hours a day to grazing. This allows them to freely roam, selecting specific plants that offer the necessary macro and micronutrients, minerals, and vitamins.Historically, wild horses exhibited a remarkable ability to self-medicate by choosing plants based on seasonal requirements. However, various factors, such as the use of herbicides and the prevalence of aggressive species like ryegrasses, have led to a decline in the diversity of species and, consequently, the nutritional richness of pastures. While it has become common to address these shortcomings through the supplementation of concentrates, it's acknowledged that this may not be the healthiest option for horses or the environment. The key is to establish an optimal mix of grass, legumes, and herb species tailored to both your land and your horse's dietary needs. The goal is for your horse to derive the majority, if not all, of its nutritional requirements from forage, reducing reliance on concentrates and allowing for extended time in the field regardless of weather conditions. This approach is vital as various health issues, such as laminitis, developmental orthopaedic disease, gastric ulcers, colic, respiratory diseases, mud fever, stereotypical behaviour, and wormer resistance, can be directly linked to pasture management, nutritional content, and grazing habits. While the nutritional content and medicinal properties of these species depend on pasture management, it undoubtedly represents the healthiest choice for your horse. |
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