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Discussion on Moving from overgrazed to ungrazed pasture
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Posted on Saturday, Jan 12, 2002 - 8:17 am:
Hi all!
I finally got my own little farm! I am moving my 2 pasture boarded horses to my own little place on 6.5 acres. They are used to full-time turn-out, but there is precious little grass left where they are.
I will be moving to where the pastures have not been grazed and the grass is about 8 inches high. However, since it is winter the grass is all but dead. Given the circumstances, do I need to introduce them slowly anyway? Or will it matter since the grass is almost dead and thus not very nutritious. (I'm not sure if the grasses are the same type since there is such a difference in height and you can't tell much from the roots. :-)I think it is a different variety though. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Heather
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Posted on Saturday, Jan 12, 2002 - 10:46 pm:
Hello Heather,
Absolutely see Care for Horses: Nutrition: Roughage and Forage for Horses. There is a section on moving horses onto pasture.
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 13, 2002 - 10:10 am:
Dr. O,
I had read that article but I wasn't sure if I still needed to introduce them slowly since they were already out on pasture 24/7. Yes, there is more grass in the new pasture but it is dead so I didn't think it would be a problem. I guess I should still err on the side of caution though, yes?
Heather
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Posted on Monday, Jan 14, 2002 - 7:00 am:
As long as this represents a major change in the type of forage it is best to introduce them slowly. You are right, if the grass is dead you do not have as much concern as you do with lush grass but some horses do not need much excuse for gi problems. There is no perfect timing you should do it as slowly as is practical for you.
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Jan 14, 2002 - 4:34 pm:
Will do. Thanks Dr. O!
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