How to establish the best horse pastures?

Several factors are important when fertilizing your horse pasture. Based on a soil sample and the purpose of fertilization (grazing or mowing), you can determine the right application. On this page, we highlight the most important aspects and provide an example of a fertilization recommendation.

Soil samples

Before you start fertilizing, it is recommended to take a soil sample once every four years. A useful soil sample shows how much of each nutrient is present. It indicates the amount of plant-available nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, sodium, and calcium in the soil. The soil sample also provides the pH value of the soil.

Fertilization for grazing vs. mowing

When fertilizing a pasture, it makes a big difference for horses whether the grass will be grazed or mowed. To prevent protein levels from becoming too high during grazing, it is advisable to apply small amounts of fertilizer.Start with 20 m³ of slurry or 150 kg/ha of compound fertilizer (12-10-18). This application should be repeated every two months.

For mowing (first and second cut for horses), heavier fertilization is possible. The timing of mowing depends on the purpose of the grass. For a standard mowing pasture, the recommended application is 30 m³ of slurry plus 150 kg/ha of Nutramon KAS. For pastures without slurry, the advice is 225 kg/ha of 12-10-18 plus 150 kg/ha of Nutramon KAS. This recommendation applies to fertilization between February 15 and April 15. For the second and later cuts, the advice is 15 m³ of slurry supplemented with 100 kg/ha of Nutramon KAS, or 150 kg/ha of 12-10-18 plus 100 kg/ha of Nutramon KAS.

Liming grassland

When soil pH is too low, yields are reduced. To raise the soil’s pH through liming, between 500 and 2,000 kg/ha of granulated lime is required.

To improve the palatability of the grass, particularly on sandy soils, applying sodium during the summer months can contribute to a more palatable crop. In that case, apply 75–100 kg/ha of Grass Salt Blue. This can also add value when the soil has a low sodium content.

Mowing time

For horse rations, mowing usually takes place from the third week of May. For later cuts, mowing is delayed until the crop is heavier and more developed, ensuring lower protein levels in the grass. Below is an overview showing crop development in relation to the nutrient content of the grass.

Grass seed mixture selection

For sowing a horse pasture, we offer three different mixtures. Two of these are designed for grazing with horses, and one is intended for mowing.

The perfect blend for every need

Learn more about our different types of grass seed mixtures.

HorseMaster

Grass is the most important component of a horse’s diet. During the summer months, most horses spend the majority of the day grazing, while in winter they are mainly fed hay or silage. HorseMaster is a grass seed mixture specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of horses. With a HorseMaster pasture, you can be sure your horse is grazing on the very best grass.

• Sowing: 80 kg/ha
• Overseeding: 40 kg/ha
  
  

HorseMax

HorseMax has been specially developed to support the overall wellbeing of your horse. This mixture produces a dense sward, ensuring longer durability. It provides fiber-rich grass with sufficient yield, takes into account the right sugar levels, and contains endophyte-free grasses. Older horse pastures often develop bare spots from heavy grazing and trampling, which can lead to the growth of weeds that may be harmful to your horse. Care for your horse by sowing or overseeding your pasture with HorseMax. 

• Sowing: 50-80 kg/ha
• Overseeding: 30-40 kg/ha
  
  

Hay Master

A Hay Master-weide(pasture) produces excellent fiber-rich hay with strong nutritional value. The grasses in Hay Master are carefully selected and tailored for horses. For optimal stomach and digestive function, horses need to chew their forage thoroughly. That’s why Hay Master is composed of fiber-rich grass species such as cocksfoot and tall fescue. The addition of timothy grass enhances palatability. Hay Master ensures the healthiest and most palatable forage for your horse.

• Sowing: 60 kg/ha
• Overseeding: 30 kg/ha