Horse Pasture Management

Horse Pasture Management begins with coverage of the structure, function and nutritional value of plants, continuing into identification of pasture plants. Management of soil and plants in a pasture is covered next, followed by horse grazing behavior, feed choices of horses, management of grazing horses, and how to calculate how many horses should be grazing relative to land size. Management of hay and silage are included, since year-round grazing is not possible on many horse farms. A number of chapters deal with interactions of a horse farm with the environment and other living things. As an aid in good pasture management, one chapter explains construction and use of fencing and watering systems.

Contributions are rounded out with a chapter explaining how the University of Kentucky helps horse farm managers develop their pasture management programs.

• The purpose of the book is to help people provide a better life for horses
• Provides the basic principles of pasture management for those involved in equine-related fields and study
• Covers a variety of strategies for managing the behavior, grouping, environmental, and feeding needs of grazing horses to ensure high levels of welfare and health
• Includes information on environmental best practices, plant and soil assessment, and wildlife concerns
• Explains pasture-related diseases and toxic plants to be avoided
• Includes links to useful resources and existing extension programs

Advanced students, professors, and academics involved in certificate, diploma or degree programs in equine studies and horse management, agricultural and equine extension specialists and consultants; researchers in these areas and horse behavior, physiology, and nutrition; veterinarians; feed industry staff; 4-H and Pony Club leaders

1. Forage plant structure, function, nutrition and growth
   2. Identification of forage plant species
   3. Nutritional value of pasture plants for horses
   4. Soils for horse pasture management
   5. Introduction to pasture ecology
   6. Pasture establishment, maintenance and renovation
   7. Forage yield and its determination
   8. Grazing behavior, feed intake and feed choices
   9. Managing equine grazing for pasture productivity
   10. Multi-species grazing
   11. Hay and silage production and management
   12. Climate, weather and plant hardiness
   13. Matching plant species to your environment, weather and climate
   14. Manure, erosion and water quality
   15. Fencing and watering systems
   16. Pasture related diseases and disorders
   17. Co-existing with wildlife
   18. The University of Kentucky extension pasture evaluation program