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Why Correct Grazing Is Important – And What Biodiversity Has to Do with It

Harriet Charlotte Schulz
Apr 11
4 min read

In spring, many horse owners find themselves preparing for the annual grazing season – a critical moment that impacts not only the health of the horses but also the future of the pasture. It’s about gradually getting the horses accustomed to fresh grass while also preserving the full biodiversity of the meadow.

Grazing management is crucial for avoiding health risks such as colic or laminitis. There are clear steps I follow for both the horses and the pasture. However, there’s an important distinction between the initial grazing process and the actual time the horses are allowed to fully graze the meadow.

Step-by-Step: How to Safely Start Grazing

The correct grazing process begins when the grass starts growing but has not yet reached full bloom. In this phase, the horses can be on the pasture, but fresh grass should be consumed in small amounts. Here’s a detailed step-by-step plan I follow for my horses:

Week 1 – 10 to 15 minutes per day:
At the beginning, the horses are only allowed short outings on the pasture – no more than 10 to 15 minutes. The grass is still low in energy, but it’s important to gradually accustom the horses' digestive systems to new sources of food.
Week 2 – 30 minutes per day:
The time spent on the pasture is gradually increased to 30 minutes per day, weather permitting. The horses start to get used to fresh grass, and their digestive systems begin to adapt.
Week 3 – 1 to 2 hours per day:
By now, the horses can be on the pasture for 1 to 2 hours per day, depending on the state of the grass. During this time, they can slowly increase their intake of fresh grass without risking digestive issues.
Week 4 – Adjustment to full grazing:
By the end of the fourth week, when the digestive system is stable, the horses can spend longer periods on the pasture. Care should still be taken to ensure they do not eat too much, which could lead to overloading their systems. By now, the grass should provide enough nutrients to support the horses.

Horses on the Pasture After the Grass Bloom

It’s essential that horses are not allowed to fully graze the meadow until after the grass has bloomed. This means that the plants have completed their seed formation and are now providing their full nutrient content. Early grazing can damage the grass cover and reduce biodiversity.

What to Do if the Meadow Lacks Biodiversity?

A meadow with little biodiversity can negatively impact the horses’ health in the long term. Fortunately, there are ways to revive biodiversity on the pasture. If your meadow has low plant diversity, here are some strategies to restore it.

Regenerating the Meadow Through Overseeding or Reworking
One straightforward way to increase biodiversity is overseeding. This should ideally be done after the grass bloom in summer or late spring. Special seed mixtures designed for horse pastures can be used to promote a balance of grasses, herbs, and legumes. Popular mixtures include clover species, meadow vetchling, and various herbs like yarrow, dandelion, and plantain. These herbs not only provide additional nutrients but also support the natural balance of the pasture.
Planting Wild Herbs
Targeted planting of wild herbs can also help to boost biodiversity. Herbs like chamomile, dandelion, and nettles are particularly beneficial for horses, offering important secondary plant compounds that support metabolism and the immune system. Specialized herb mixtures for horse meadows can also be used to promote horse-friendly biodiversity.
Meadow Care
In addition to sowing, it’s crucial to take proper care of the meadow. This includes avoiding excessive fertilization, as too much nitrogen promotes grass growth at the expense of herbs. Moderate fertilization and regular mowing after flowering are key to encouraging seed development. It’s also important not to overgraze the meadow in autumn, as this helps preserve the soil and secures nutrient reserves for the next year.
Soil Treatment and Renovation
In particularly poor cases, more intensive meadow renovation may be necessary. This can involve plowing and reseeding to allow new plant species to establish themselves. When doing this, it’s important to use specific pasture seeds designed for horses to ensure the desired biodiversity is achieved.

Conclusion: Patience and Care Pay Off

Correct grazing is an essential step for horse health and pasture preservation. Patience is required – both in adapting the horses to fresh grass and in waiting for the grass bloom. If you also wish to enhance the biodiversity of your pasture, it’s important to think not only about proper care but also about deliberately integrating new plant species. A healthy, diverse meadow is not only beneficial for the horses but also for the entire ecosystem.