Resting Pastures
Why is it important to rest horse pastures for 3 months?
Resting horse pastures for 3 months, or even 3-6 months, is important for managing internal parasites (worms) because it allows the pasture to recover and reduces the number of infective larvae and breaking/disrupting the parasite life cycle. By providing a break from grazing, the pasture can replenish forage, and the parasite larvae will be more likely to die off due to lack of a suitable host and exposure to the elements.
Here's why pasture resting is important and more explanation:
Breaks the Parasite Life Cycle:
Many equine parasites, like redworm, have a life cycle that includes a stage on the pasture. It involves eggs being shed in manure, developing into larvae on pasture, and then being ingested by horses. By resting the pasture, you interrupt this life cycle, preventing the parasites from completing it and reproducing, according to Virbac Australia.
Resting Pastures Disables the Cycle:
By resting pastures for 3-6 months, the parasite life cycle is disrupted. The larvae cannot survive on the pasture without a host and are exposed to conditions that kill them off.
Reduces Parasite Load:
When horses are grazing a heavily parasitized pasture, they are constantly re-exposed to infective larvae, leading to a high parasite burden. Resting allows the larvae on the pasture to die off, reducing the risk of reinfection.
Allows for Forage Recovery:
Overgrazing can weaken pasture and make it more susceptible to parasite infestation. Resting allows the grass to recover, improving its overall health and resistance.
Pasture as a Reservoir:
Pasture becomes a reservoir for these parasites, as larvae can survive for several months on the grass.
Reduced Infection Risk:
When horses return to the pasture after the rest period, they are less likely to encounter a high number of infective larvae, reducing the risk of reinfection.
Cross-grazing:
Resting a pasture can be combined with cross-grazing, where horses are moved to different pastures that may have been previously grazed by other livestock (like sheep or cattle). This can further help to dilute the parasite load, as most equine parasites cannot survive in these other animals.
Resting horse pastures for three months is also important for the following points:
Regrowth and Energy Reserves:
When pastures are grazed, the grass stores energy in its roots and shoots. This energy is used for regrowth after being grazed. Continuous grazing without rest can deplete these energy reserves, weakening the plants and making them more susceptible to damage.
Resting allows the grass to replenish these reserves and regrow vigorously.
Soil Health:
Horses' hooves can compact the soil, hindering water infiltration and plant growth. Resting the pasture allows the soil to recover and improves its overall health.
Preventing Overgrazing and Damage:
Horses tend to graze preferentially on certain plants, leading to areas becoming bare and vulnerable to weed invasion. Resting allows the preferred plants to re-establish and prevents long-term damage to the pasture.
Improved Forage Quality:
Rested pastures often produce higher quality forage, as the grass has had time to mature and develop its nutritional value.
In summary, resting pastures for three months is an essential aspect of good pasture management that benefits both the health of the pasture and the well-being of the horses that graze on it.
Reference: Information adapted from Virbac Australia’s parasite management guides, American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) guidelines, and state agriculture department resources on pasture recovery and parasite life cycles.
See: https://au.virbac.com/health-care/horse-worms/horse-pasture-management
“A brown horse stands atop a lush green field adjacent to another, teeming with yellow flowers” by Albert, licensed via Adobe Stock
