Tall Grass - Coastal Bermuda - Health & Supplements - Health & Supplements - Horse Community, Horse Pictures, Horse Forum and Information

face

Posted : 9/28/2009 3:09:55 PM

I will be moving horses to a new pasture the end of October. Right now the grass is quite tall but the horses really seem to enjoy it.

Question is, if they like it, should I bother to cut it, or should I be concerned about them going colic going wild with this tall grass since they are now in a pasture of VERY short grass? One of my horses was moved to a very lush pasture during the summer and he got diarrhea for a few days as his system adjusted.

Thanks!

TanyaC97

Posted : 9/29/2009 1:50:28 PM

Is there a way you can phase them into the new pasture? One day on, one day off for a few days???

face

Posted : 9/30/2009 11:22:51 AM

Hmmm - Makes sense and we could use that brand new 6 stall barn. THANKS!

[quote=TanyaC97]

Is there a way you can phase them into the new pasture? One day on, one day off for a few days???

theoldgreymare

Posted : 10/5/2009 6:20:33 PM

If they are currently on very short grass, it might pose as much risk as long and lush as stressed grasses generally have a higher suga. I would introduce them gradually (increasing small amounts daily) to the new pasture if you don't want to mow.

Personally, I would mow and still introduce them gradually. You don't want the grass to get too tall and go to seed because it then thinks it's job is "done" and it will stop producing. Just my 2 cents....

CrookedPostQH

Posted : 10/5/2009 10:24:12 PM

Bermuda is favored when it is shorter as with most grasses being tastier and more tender when its new growth. I agree to limiting their grazing. Maybe a few hours a day and gradually increase the time over several weeks. Your horse has had to work harder to graze when the forage was very short and on longer grass he would definitely get larger mouthfuls at a time - happy as a kid in a candy shop!