Using the recommended stocking density to predict equine pasture management

Best management practices for equine pastures include following the recommended stocking density, rotating, clipping, dragging manure, soil testing, and renovating as needed. Assuming these practices are implemented collectively, pasture resources can contribute significantly to annual forage needs. A survey was mailed to New Jersey pasture property owners in January 2000 to assess pasture management practices and determine the relationship between the recommended stocking density and individual management practices. Our survey indicates that many horse pasture managers follow individual recommendations, but generally do not implement multiple management practices. About 69% of survey respondents currently have between 0 and 20 horses. About 28% of respondents have between 6 and 10 acres of pasture, while only 20% have between 11 and 20 acres. Our analysis reveals a decreasing tendency to follow the recommended stocking density as horse numbers increase, but no difference as the number of acres of pasture changes. Our survey indicated that 66% soil test and about 45% fertilize every three years or greater while 50% lime pastures in intervals exceeding three years. The most commonly implemented management practice is mowing pastures (89%), while 54% of respondents rotate pastures. Despite the large proportion of managers that mow or rotate their pastures, there was generally only a small likelihood of these managers following the recommended stocking density and mowing, and no relationship between rotating and the recommended stocking density. Our results also indicate that at most about one-third of pasture managers have access to or own some piece of equipment used in pasture renovation or maintenance, although 92% make annual pasture expenditures. Consequently, pasture managers need additional information regarding the benefits of following best management practices to achieve the synergistic effect of multiple management practices on pasture productivity and persistence.