Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

Paddock Toppings

Options
  • 23-05-2017 10:04pm
    #1
    alps
    Registered Users Posts: 5,033 ✭✭✭


    Can anyone give advise if paddock toppings pose any threat to ponies if they are left in the paddock that they continue to graze. Quiet weedy, lots of buttercup, no ragworth


Comments

  • Options
    #2
    Ave Sodalis
    Registered Users Posts: 7,553 ✭✭✭Ave Sodalis


    As in cut and loose? Yes, it poses a risk. Even cut grass is a danger to horses, if its not fresh.


  • Options
    #3
    alps
    Registered Users Posts: 5,033 ✭✭✭alps


    sup_dude wrote: »
    As in cut and loose? Yes, it poses a risk. Even cut grass is a danger to horses, if its not fresh.

    Cheers for that....better rake them then..


  • Options
    #4
    Ave Sodalis
    Registered Users Posts: 7,553 ✭✭✭Ave Sodalis


    alps wrote:
    Cheers for that....better rake them then..

    Basically the grass, once cut, starts to ferment and rot. It's really quite rapid. When it ferments, it releases gases which can cause colic and stomach ruptures in horses. When a horse is eating an uncut field, the grass is usually far enough along the digestive system that it doesn't cause any bother.

    Now, there's claims that a topped field isn't as bad as the like of lawnmower clippings. I wouldn't chance it as the grass will still ferment. I would rake it up and leave the field for a few days.


Advertisement