The effects of complete pasture management at Equilibrium Horse Center, Gambrills, Maryland

Abstract

An internship was performed in Gambrills, Maryland, at ics. an equine boarding facility, Equilibrium Horse Center. As Boarder Barn Manager, I was responsible for the care of 28 boarding horses, in addition to the monthly invoicing of their owners, ordering of farm supplies, and total farm maintenance. Pasture management at Equilibrium Horse Center is non-existent, causing hay and grain costs to be significantly higher than needed. The existing property known as the cross-country course should be fenced oft-into three paddocks to allow for a rotational grazing system to be established. After creating new fence lines, the existing pastures need to be prepared and reseeded with orchardgrass and white clover. This mixture of grass and legume will allow for increased forage production, longer pasture life, good pasture quality control, and good forage recovery. With the combination of orchardgrass and white clover managed within a rotational grazing system, Equilibrium Horse Center will experience a more elective, complete, and economical consumption of their pasture forage, with significantly reduced costs of hay and grain, as well as decreased stall maintenance.