Turn out muddy field

[S1969]

@JB

that really depends on the type of grass, the type of soil, and the stocking rate.

We have 6-7 acres of fescue on red clay, and 3 horses out there. Last Winter was insane, the entire pasture was a mud pit almost 100% of the time. But the 2 easy keepers were still muzzled most of the Spring through early Fall

Not everyone can pick up and move. But also, just because things might be raining a lot lately, doesn’t mean the entire year is like that

Yes. Clay is really tough. I have clay with absolutely no rocks at all. I have a sacrifice pasture about 1.5 acres total that gets nearly destroyed this time of year. I also have a small dry lot and an arena, so I could keep them off it, but it would be hard.

I have 3 other acres that I have closed off from now until probably June. It will grow enough grass to make them fat, and keep them busy until the fall and then it will get wet and muddy again so it gets closed until the ground freezes.

[sascha]

@Janet

Some people kept their horses in for about a week, with the horses getting more and more upset about being shut in. They “gave in” and let the horses out while there was still some serious ice. THIS is the group that had broken legs and other serious injuries.

This! Never, ever give in. Bitch and complain about Mother Nature all you like, but never, ever give in.

We get ice bad enough that horses on 24/7/365 outdoor living can end up broken. At the very least they end up miserable mincing across the ice to go from shelter to hay to water and back. Might as well be inside at that point, imo.