Question about pasture

[vicklynn]

I love that we have such a lush pasture, but there are areas that the horses dont hit very well. They eat it, but not all of it and some areas are pretty darned tall.
I know you cant mow and let the horses on it.
Can you weed eat the tops of areas and let the horses still eat it? Its a gas weed eater.

[WashingtonBay]

The issue with mowing is some risk if they eat newly cut green grass, because it ferments... unlike hay that is more mature.

As soon as the clippings are dried up, I turn them out on it.

And honestly, if I'm cutting tall weeds the horses don't like and aren't eating, I'll mow when they are in there. They don't like it standing, they don't like it cut.

[vicklynn]

Thanks WB.
So you think that topping a few areas would be ok? Just wait for it to dry?

[WashingtonBay]

Sure. Is this stuff they don't like or are they just not keeping up with it?

[vicklynn]

Sure. Is this stuff they don't like or are they just not keeping up with it?
Its all Fescue in the small grazing area, they just dont keep it up with certain areas, they like the lower grass. Ive seen them in the area, but they like to graze below. Ill just let Bob take it down low and Ill rake it up. They have enough work to do keeping up with the growth, and we are now letting them out for 1 1/2 to 2 hrs at a time.

Thanks!!

Last night, for the first time, they came up at feeding time, I didnt have to go get them.
Bob had noticed City watching me work in the area, just waiting for his grain and alf cubes:)

[WashingtonBay]

Well if it's good grass, you might consider letting it go to seed before you cut it, it'll reseed for you. :)

[vicklynn]

Oh its good stuff, some great fescue and they love it.
Not sure I want it to reseed in one area, its overly thick as it is now. But I think I will let it reseed in another area.

[TLC97]

I have a few areas like that. I use the weed wacker, then rake off what I can and turn them out on it a few days later. Works great.

[vicklynn]

Cool!! Thanks Tanya.

You both have eased my mind.

[Cat]

I use a little temporary hot wire and fence them there for a couple hours a day. Tends to take care of the issue.