How many horses would I need to keep 80 acres of pasture to a certain level?
I am looking at renting 80 acres of fenced land. It is separated into 11 different pasture areas plus a barn area. The owner that is renting it has to keep the grass at 4-9 inches length. So I am wondering about how many horses that would take (so I can get some boarders)? I have 4 full-size horses and 2 minis and he says he thinks it would need 20-25 horses minimum. Thanks!
1 full-sized horse can easily manage about 1 1/2 acres on its own, so I think the property's owner has it about right. 20-25 horses would probably keep the majority of the pasture clipped without overgrazing. If you have the room, you can consider boarding some extra horses and rotating pastures - as the ones in use start getting grazed down, move the animals to the next pasture area.
However, if you don't have the option of caring for that many horses, have you considered adding some sheep? They don't need the same housing that horses require (run-ins or lean-to shelters work just fine). They are also terrific natural lawnmowers (very heavy grazers) without the manure build-up that you get from cows or other larger livestock.
On that many acres, I would think that the owner would be in the hay business as well. If he's not, consider talking to him about contracting someone to cut and bale about 50 acres or so. Many people who have the land don't necessarily have the equipment to cut and bale. You could probably very easily work a deal with another local farmer - allow them to keep 1/2 of the hay for their own expenses and/or sale, and give you the other half. Free hay for you and free maintenance for your landlord - this would be my first choice if I were in your position!
You may consider adding a flock of your own sheep or sub-leasing pasture and grazing rights to a third party who might be interested in using the pasture. If they're a meat breed, the majority of the flock would be sold for slaughter on a yearly basis, which would also make flock management easier too.
The horses you have would easily keep up with about 7 acres or so on their own, but you also have to consider if we get another drought (like there was two years ago), pasture can burn up or go dormant. Don't cram your acreage to maximum capacity, or you may be looking at buying hay to supplement a large herd.
With that much acreage, you do have lots of choices. Hope one of these ideas (or a combination of all of the above) works out for you.
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May 18th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
1 full-sized horse can easily manage about 1 1/2 acres on its own, so I think the property's owner has it about right. 20-25 horses would probably keep the majority of the pasture clipped without overgrazing. If you have the room, you can consider boarding some extra horses and rotating pastures - as the ones in use start getting grazed down, move the animals to the next pasture area.
However, if you don't have the option of caring for that many horses, have you considered adding some sheep? They don't need the same housing that horses require (run-ins or lean-to shelters work just fine). They are also terrific natural lawnmowers (very heavy grazers) without the manure build-up that you get from cows or other larger livestock.
On that many acres, I would think that the owner would be in the hay business as well. If he's not, consider talking to him about contracting someone to cut and bale about 50 acres or so. Many people who have the land don't necessarily have the equipment to cut and bale. You could probably very easily work a deal with another local farmer - allow them to keep 1/2 of the hay for their own expenses and/or sale, and give you the other half. Free hay for you and free maintenance for your landlord - this would be my first choice if I were in your position!
You may consider adding a flock of your own sheep or sub-leasing pasture and grazing rights to a third party who might be interested in using the pasture. If they're a meat breed, the majority of the flock would be sold for slaughter on a yearly basis, which would also make flock management easier too.
The horses you have would easily keep up with about 7 acres or so on their own, but you also have to consider if we get another drought (like there was two years ago), pasture can burn up or go dormant. Don't cram your acreage to maximum capacity, or you may be looking at buying hay to supplement a large herd.
With that much acreage, you do have lots of choices. Hope one of these ideas (or a combination of all of the above) works out for you.
References :
raise livestock
May 18th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
I would also suggest sheep
Horses are selective and only like certain grasses and plants. You would still have to mow to keep weeds and some grasses down.
Horses and sheep compete for the same food sources.
You could combine horses and goats but goats are a problem when it comes to containment.
Your best bet is to invest in a tractor and mower. No mater what you decide to keep.
The farm I board on has 65 cares at pasture. They turn out about 50-70 horses on that year round. And they still have to mow it at least twice a year.
References :