Horse Pasture Planning & Design

Designing horse pastures from a blank canvas can be overwhelming.  How do you know where to put fence, gates, dry lots, run-in sheds, barns, and waterers?  A lot depends on the acreage, number of horses, grazing goals, and horse management.  Will the pasture be a major feed source or more for exercise?  Do you want to rotate pastures for better grazing management?  Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you start planning your horse pastures:

1.      Barn/Facility Location: Choose a central location that is on high ground for your main facilities that you pastures can lead back into.  Never put a barn in a low area that does not drain well or on the other side of your property where it is hard to get to.

2.      Pastures: Plan your pastures based on your stocking rates (how many horses you have per acre) and also your grazing goals.  If a horse is given 24/7 turnout on one pasture, you will likely need 2-3 acres per horse to avoid overgrazing and so there is enough to graze throughout the year.  If you are able to design multiple pastures with a dry lot, you can increase your stocking rate but keep in mind your grazing management will also increase.  It is ideal to rotate horses from one pasture to another once the grass is grazed down so the grass can rest and regrow.  This helps prevent overgrazing, weeds, selective grazing, and other issues associated with grazing the same pasture 24/7 with no rest.

3.      Consider the Environment/Topography:  Avoid fencing in areas that contain a pond, creek, or wetlands.  This is to protect the horse but also to protect water quality.  Wet areas can harbor bacteria, insects, and weeds.  Horses can also get injured in those area if they get stuck or fall.  Also, make sure you plan pastures according to topography.  If an area is too steep or rocky, avoid using that area because it will not make a productive pasture and can be hard to manage.

4.      Dry Lot: Dry lots are recommended (area free of vegetation with stable footing and a shelter) for most horse farms for better horse and pasture management.  If a horse needs restricted turnout or is injured, a dry lot is a safe place that can provide some exercise and socialization with other horses.  If pastures need rest or maintenance, horses can be placed on a dry lot and given hay until the pastures are ready to graze again.

5.      Gates, Fencing, Water, Shelter: Place gates in easy access walking areas, avoid corners and low areas.  Make sure the gate is at least 12 feet wide so equipment can go through the opening.  Smaller gate openings can also be dangerous for walking horses through.  Perimeter fencing should be woven wire, wooden, or electric fencing to provide a good barrier.  Internal fencing can be temporary electric fencing.  Only use electric fencing if horses are trained to it and maintenance is kept up.  Avoid using barb wire fencing.  Water placement should be near a common area where it is convenient to check and clean.  Ideally, you want water placed where it can serve multiple pastures (such as a dry lot area).  Either natural or man-made shelter should be available in each pasture (or each pasture have access back to a dry lot or shelter).

6.      Safety:  Pastures should be rectangle if possible to encourage exercise and to avoid injury.  Consider your horse’s safety in every aspect of pasture and facility planning.

These are just a few tips to get you started in the planning process when it comes to designing horse pastures.  Consider talking with your Extension Agent for further information and a farm visit to work on the design process together.  Setting up your horse farm for success takes time and careful planning, do not cut corners and rush the process!