Weeds can be poisonous to horses and unfortunately weed management is not as simple as killing or removing offensive plants that grow where we don't want them to grow.
If pastures are not fertilized, if they are eroded, under watered, trampled or overgrazed, the pasture becomes stressed.
A stressed pasture is a haven for harmful weeds.
It does not make for quality forage for grazing horses of produce quality hay.
Careful management of your horse pasture must be considered to eliminate weeds.
Animal impact, mechanical, or burning are non chemical weed controls to be considered.
Mechanical methods would include mowing, plowing, or even bulldozing.
If done before weeds develop seeds, mowing can be very effective for management of annual weeds.
If you choose burning to control weeds great care must be used but the results can be similar to mowing and allows for grass to flourish.
If you prefer animal impact for weed control for your horse pasture goats, sheep, or llamas generally come to mind.
Goats can eat many plants that are toxic to horses but some weeds can be poisonous even to goats.
Goats will eat sumac, poison ivy, ragweed, kudzu and many other undesirable plants.
In turn they can produce meat, milk, or wool.
However, if you choose animal impact, you must take into consideration they will require fencing, supervision and in some cases will have need of shelter.
Some animals that may be chosen for weed control may also necessitate protection from predators.
Environmental concerns for manure management cannot be over looked when managing your horses.
Depending on where you live and how much land you have available manure can be spread, composted, or removed.
There are strict code enforcement laws in some areas that require manure to be placed into a dumpster and removed on a regular basis.
Hopefully it will be spread or composted somewhere to be beneficial.
Manure does not always break down easily in landfills.
A properly managed manure pile can be future soil if it managed correctly.
To make sure it is a benefit to the environment and not a toxic dump it must be composted and properly situated.
With some planning it is possible to choose natural methods to mange your horses making while making your barn and horse pasture a more environmentally friendly place.
Choosing natural methods can make your horse farm a more pleasant haven for you and your animals.