Spring Horse Owner Series- Webinars & On-Farm Workshop

 

Come learn with us as we dive into horse management topics such as metabolic concerns, pastures, grazing, internal parasites, and dry lots.

About this event

Join us for an exciting series that includes both webinars and an on-farm workshop. The first webinar will be led by Dr. Shannon Pratt-Phillips, Professor, Equine Nutrition & Physiology, NC State University where she will discuss metabolic concerns. Lauren Langley, Livestock Extension Agent, Alamance County will lead the second webinar and discuss pasture management as well as internal parasites.

Zoom Webinars, 7 – 8 p.m. EST:

• March 23 : Metabolic Concerns for Horses

• April 25: Pasture & Internal Parasite Management

The on-farm workshop will be held at Idle Acres Farm located in Mebane, NC. Please use the following address to get to the farm and then look for the farm sign entrance to turn in: 7312 Cummings Drive, Mebane NC 27302. Workshop cost is $15/person. The agenda will include a farm introduction, dry lot construction (do’s/dont’s), managing horses on a dry lot, pasture layout and design, and rotational grazing. More details to come!

On-Farm Workshop, 6 – 8 p.m. (Mebane, NC):

• May 24: Managing Horses on Dry Lots & Pastures

Register online here: https://go.ncsu.edu/springseries22 

Questions?

Contact Lauren Langley at lauren_langley@ncsu.edu or 336.570.6740

To Graze or Not To Graze?

 

Individual horse's needs are different and we have to put that first when choosing the best management.  The purpose of this blog post is to make you think and consider if grazing is the best option based on your horse’s needs and situation.  Here are some questions to consider before grazing:

·         Does your horse need to be on a strict diet based on weight issues, metabolic disease, past health problems, allergies, laminitis, etc.?

·         Is pasture space limited for the number of horses?

·         Are you breeding horses and have KY 31 tall fescue pastures?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above you may want to consider installing an equine dry lot to manage those specific horses/situations.  Let’s take the overweight horse for example.  If your horse is overweight and possibly prone to developing laminitis then it is crucial that you know exactly what the horse is taking in.  Pasture “calories” can change with the time of day, grass species, weather, etc. so the horse could be taking in more than it needs or less depending on several factors.  It may be best to formulate a diet that can be consistent and measured through forage analysis so you know what the horse is taking in each day. 

Dry lots are a great alternative to grazing when more space is needed for exercise but not calorie intake.  Some issues are so complex that it is just hard to make grazing work even with limited turnout, grazing muzzles, and poor forage quality pastures.  Consult with your veterinarian and Livestock Extension Agent to come up with a plan that works for you and your horse today!      

For more on special diets and nutrition issues please visit: https://extension.umn.edu/horse/horse-nutrition#special-diets-or-nutrition-issues-2393465

Introduction to Equine Dry Lots

Managing horses on small acreage can be challenging.  One of the challenges often faced is the need for grazing but being limited on space.  Dry lots can serve many purposes but the main purpose is to have somewhere to confine horses when pastures need time to rest and regrow.  It is important to consider grading and footing when thinking about putting in a dry lot.  Without the proper grade and footing layers, the dry lot will not stand the test of time.  

Follow along with Lauren Langley, Livestock Extension Agent as she introduces the concept and benefits of installing an equine dry lot. You will also hear from two horse farm owners that have installed a dry lot and how it has helped them achieve their goals.

For more information about equine dry lots please visit: https://alamance.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Equine-Dry-Lot.pdf?fwd=no or contact your local Extension Agent for advice.

Why Install an Equine Dry Lot?

Managing horses on small acreage can be challenging.  One of the challenges often faced is the need for grazing but being limited on space.  Dry lots can serve many purposes but the main purpose is to have somewhere to confine horses when pastures need time to rest and regrow.  It is important to consider grading and footing when thinking about putting in a dry lot.  Without the proper grade and footing layers, the dry lot will not stand the test of time.   

What is an equine dry lot?

•      A small sacrifice area (usually free of vegetation) where shelter, feed, and water are located to house horses when they need to come off pastures. 

•      Other Purposes:

•      Exercise/Turnout from Stall

•      Injury Recovery

•      Managing Metabolic Issues

Before dry lot footing was added.

After dry lot footing was added.

Dry Lot Overview

•      Location: Near Barn/Shelter

–     Think central location to all pastures (for shelter, water, feed)

•      Size: min. 400 sq. feet (20 ft. x 20 ft.) for one horse

•      Cost for 20 ft. x 20 ft. Dry Lot:

–     Low End ~$1,000* (6 in. of screenings/rock dust)

–     High End ~$2,300* (geotextile fabric, 6 in. drainage stone, 6 in. screenings/rock dust)

*Prices are estimates and will vary depending on your area.

Dry Lots = Better Pastures and Healthier Horses

•      Manage horses on high density farms (boarding/training facilities)

•      Utilize rotational grazing

•      Manage turnout time

•      Prevent trampling when soil is too wet

•      Recovering from injury and need limited (safe) space

•      No mud!!  Mud causes injury (it’s slippery), thrush, parasites, abscesses, and more

•      Properly managed pastures can reduce hay cost by ~$60-$100/month!

For more information about equine dry lots and construction tips, please contact your local Extension Agent for advice.