In North Carolina, we focus on utilizing our land as much as possible, especially when it comes reducing our feed cost. In reality we probably have more unmanaged or under-managed horse farms then we want in North Carolina. These are the farms that are eye sores to the non-agricultural audience and they are the ones that get the animal welfare calls as well as get the county administration discussions started on livestock ordinances or zoning issues. Yes, every land owners wants lush green pastures over rolling hills, but unfortunately there is not a master blue print for every farm or a one size fits all. Taking small steps such as creating drylots is a step forward to beautifying your horse farm.
Drylots, or exercise paddocks, provide an opportunity to move horses off the pasture during high stress periods to protect pastures from being overgrazed. Drylots can vary in size but should provide a minimum of 400-500 square feet per horse. The size should be increased proportionally as the number of horses increase. These paddocks are typically situated near barns, are used only to provide exercise, and generally contain a limited amount of vegetation. Drylots can also serve as holding areas during periods of heavy rainfall and drought until pasture conditions improve. Extremely wet pasture can be damaged by the tearing action of horse’s hooves while cantering. Forage growth is reduced during drought conditions. Continued grazing during droughts will destroy the plant growth reserves.
Drylots should be located adjacent to pasture areas with a common gate opening into each pasture. A permanent perimeter fence should be used to enclose the drylot area. Corral panels, four board fence, woven wire with a support board, etc. are recommended. Permanent electric fence systems, that are highly visible, provide an inexpensive option.
The drylot area should include a holding shed, an alternative water source, and ample area to feed hay free choice. Ideally the water source and loafing shed should be at opposite ends of the drylot to encourage movement of the horses and limit the soil erosion typically found in heavy traffic areas. The loafing or run-in shed can be one; two or three sided with a sloping roofline to repel water. Typically a three-sided run-in shed, constructed to allow expansion to accept increased stocking rates is used. Run-in sheds, 12 by 12 foot accommodate one to two horses. As horse numbers increase, run-in shed dimensions should increase by 12 feet per unit of increased horse numbers:
You should also create a sacrifice area. This is a small enclosure such as a paddock, corral, or pen that is sacrificed for the benefit of the rest of the pasture(s). Livestock should be confined to this area during the winter months and when the pastures are saturated from rain.
Installing a ‘sacrifice lot’ is a good way to prevent the horses from using a pasture when the conditions are too wet. This area is a fenced dry lot with shelter, water, and feeders, so the horses can be turned out and fed hay, but not allowed access to the pasture. In order to help prevent pollution of runoff through the sacrifice lot, manure and old hay should be picked from the area every 1 to 3 days. This will remove the organic matter that is used to convert soil to mud. Maintain a grass area of about 25 feet around the sacrifice lot to serve as a filter for any runoff.
Article written by Ann Swinker, Extension Horse Specialist, Penn State University and Tyrone Fisher, Harnett County Director, North Carolina State University.
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