PASTURES versus GYMNASIUMS FOR HORSES
Is your horse pasture merely an exercising ground? Cris it clean, luxuriant, and on fertile ground? The great horse breeding centers of the world are characterized by good pastures. Thus, the bluegrass area of Kentucky is known for its lush pastures produced on residual limestone soils. In short, good horsemen, good pastures, and good horses go hand in hand----- good pasture is the cornerstone of successful horse production. In season, there is no finer forage for horses than superior pastures— pastures that are much more than gymnasiums. This is especially true of idle horses, brood mares, and young stock. In fact, pastures have a very definite place for all horses, with the possible exception of animals at heavy work or in training. Even with the latter groups, pastures may be used with discretion. Work horses may be turned to pasture at nights or over the weekend. Certainly, the total benefits derived from pasture are to the good, although pasturing may have some laxative effects and produce a greater tendency to sweat.
In addition to the nutritive value of the grass, pasture provides invaluable exercise on natural footing— with plenty ' of sunshine, fresh air, and lowered feeding costs as added virtues. Feeding on pasture is the ideal existence for young stock and breeding animals.
But grass— the nation’ slargestcrop, grown on 53 6 % of the land area— should not be taken for granted. Again and again, scientists and practical farmers have demonstrated that the following desired goads in pasture production are well within the realm of possibility: 1. To produce higher yields of palatable and nutritious forage. 2. To extend the grazing season from as early in the spring to as late in the fall as possible. 3. To provide a fairly uniform supply of feed throughout the entire season.
The use of a temporary pasture( grown in a regular crop rotation), instead of a parasite-infected permanent pasture, is recommended. Legume pastures are excellent for horses, as equines are less subject to bloat than cattle or sheep. The specific grass or grasslegume mixture will vary from area to area, according to differences in soil, temperature, rainfall, etc. The county agricultural agent or state agricultural college can furnish recommendations for the area that they
serve.
Horse pastures should be well drained and not too rough or stony. All dangerous places— such as pits, stumps, poles, tanks, etc.— should be guarded. Shade, water and suitable minerals should be available in sill pastures.
Most horse pastures can be improved by seeding new and better varieties of grasses and legumes, and by fertilizing and management. Also, horsemen need to give attention to balancing out pastures. Early-inthe-season, high-water-content pastures lack energy. Mature, weathered grass is almost always deficient in protein( being as low as 3 % or less) and low in carotene( the precursor of Vitamin A). But these deficiencies can be balanced out by proper supplemental feeding.
How much easier do we find il to commend o good action than to imitate it.
THIS AND THAT
LET’ S SEE NOW... the left reinhookson the curb chain... no, the cavesson hooks on the.. that ' s not right either. Maybe the bit fits on the other end! Ah-—! I’ ll cali the Breeders Association— they ' ll know what to do!
34 VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse