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  Discussion on Layout for new paddocks and pastures
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Posted on Sunday, Jun 25, 2000 - 12:02 pm:

We are currently developing the site plan for
38 acres and are looking for pasture layouts for
2 and 5 acre paddocks and sections. Does anyone
have suggested layouts which effectively use
waterers and electric lines. We are on a section
of land with square fence line boundaries so we
can have straight lines and are not limited by
obstructions.
Barb in Kansas

Posted on Sunday, Jun 25, 2000 - 11:10 pm:

When we were in the planning stage of our farm someone with a large breeding farm gave us excellent advice. He said to envision the layout like a pie, with the barn in the middle. The divisions of pastures and paddocks would be pie shaped with the narrow ends near the barn. The narrow ends could be fenced into paddocks with gates into the larger pastures. This reduces walking time in turnout and is an efficient layout for running water and electric from the barn. Depending on how many divisions (or pie-slices) you would make this would also give you a number of smaller paddocks which we have found to be invaluable. These are great for holding horses close to the barn for a variety of reasons but if you want field turnout, just leave the connecting gate open. And all our fields have side gates connecting the fields making it easier for mowing or for any reason so that you don't have to come back to the barn area to get into the field.

Posted on Monday, Jun 26, 2000 - 6:26 pm:

Hello,

Lois' ideas sound very good to me. I have never had the pleasure of doing this task - still boarding :(, but I read a good book on pasture management that brings to mind some suggestions not mentioned above. These seem to apply best to areas like mine (northeast US). With regard to your particular terrain - if possible, enclose only one type of terrain in a particular area. For example, run fence lines along the crest or valley of hilly terrain. Then you have some pastures with low lying land (good for dry weather) and some with higher land (good for wet springtime). My horse's current pasture has both a hill and low, wet area. So the turf in the low area gets terribly ripped up during wet seasons and the grass on the hill gets terrible overgrazed during dry seasons when it is not growing (not enough moisture) as fast.

If possible, learn the microclimate of your land before putting up permanent fencing. At the place where I board, much of their fence line boarders a creek that floods during heavy spring rains. As a result the fence takes a terrible beating and is a higher maintenance issue.

If possible, consider permanent fencing for perimeter and temporary fending for divisions inside the large perimeter. Then, as your grazing load, season, or weather conditions change, you can alter pasture/paddock size for optimum use of grazing land.

Currently I board at a facility were you have to cross through one pasture to get to another. That is something I would definitely try to avoid. Nothing like bringing a studish gelding across a pasture full of mares in season….

These are just some thoughts. Good luck with your task. 38 acres sounds like great fun!

Regards,
Mary
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