Just planning ahead for new yard, and how to split the fields.4 fields, 3 flat, 1 flat at the top and then sloped down away from the gate. Total 8 acres, split roughly evenly between paddocks. It's all generic mud with a hint of clay, certainly not the thick, sticky goo like at my current place!There will be three ponies, two barefoot and one shod on the front (although owner may be pulling shoes soon). They'll be out most of the time, although if we need to we can stable at night through winter. I'd prefer not to, as my older mare is arthritic and my youngster much prefers to be out, but the friend is happy to stable hers.We've decided the sloped one will be our Winter field, as it is the largest at 2.5 acres, and much less sodden than the other three flat ones. Overall though it's all in pretty good condition, as we'd like to keep it as nice as we can, although this may be a losing battle with this terrible wet winter we've had so far! Plan would be to rest it for the rest of the year after winter has passed/it's somewhat dried up, and most likely get it harrowed/rolled in the spring.So my question is, Which of these set ups will damage the ground faster:1. Let all three horses out onto the 2.5 acres.2. Split the Field into two even paddocks down the middle, have all three in one half at a time, switching when it starts to get a bit poached.3. Split it into three even paddocks and have them all in one section at a time, switching when it starts to get a bit poached.4. Split it into three even paddocks and have one horse per section.Packet of crisps for anyone whose gotten this far! I spent the spring/summer managing 3 on 3 acres (and the land was very poor to start with!), so I've got an idea of how it should go this coming year, it's just the first time I've had the chance to manage my own land through the winter! Any hints and tips are gratefully received! :)
01-25-2018, 10:14 PM
Which will trash the land more?
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