Horse Pasture Management | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: November 5, 2024

Know Your Foxtails (FS-2023-0658)

Yellow, green, and giant foxtail are the three most common weedy foxtail species in Maryland. Knowing the differences between foxtail species and look-alike grassy weeds can assist with identification, and the selection of effective weed management strategies. Title: Know Your Foxtails (FS-2023-0658); Authors: Dwayne D. Joseph, and Leo Kerner

Updated: May 23, 2024

University of Maryland Extension Resources for Horse Owners (EBR-51)

Maryland’s horse industry adds $2.9 billion to the state’s economy, according to the American Horse Council 2024 economic impact study. Maryland is home to over 94,000 horses and ranks number one in the United States in terms of horses per square mile. University of Maryland Extension (UME) is a non-formal education system within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) that has educators who can help guide and provide resources for Maryland’s horse enthusiasts. There are a variety of equine-related programs, online recordings, webinars, and publications that are offered through UME either for free or for a small fee to the public. Authors: Erica Crowl and Jennifer Reynolds; Title: University of Maryland Extension Resources for Horse Owners (EBR-51).

Updated: February 23, 2022

Nutrient Management Plans for Maryland Horse Farms- EBR -14

Nutrient Management is an important part of environmental responsibility for horse owners. Learn more about what is involved in a plan and if the regulations apply to your farm.

Updated: February 23, 2022

Equine Facilities and Pasture Considerations

Being able to keep your horses at home may be a dream come true, but it is a much sweeter dream when proper thought and planning has been put into facility and pasture needs. In this recorded webinar, topics include facility considerations, maintaining pastures and designing a rotational grazing system. Have your pastures looking great for this summer!

Updated: June 29, 2021

Determining your Pasture Stocking Rate

How many animals will my pasture support? This is a common question, especially for the first-time livestock producer. Unfortunately, it is a complex and often difficult question to be answered.

Updated: April 14, 2021

Horse Outreach Workgroup Resources

Educational documents for horse owners wanting to learn more about pasture and manure management created by the Maryland Horse Outreach Workgroup.

Updated: April 14, 2021

How to Take a Soil Sample

Healthy, fertile soil is the basis for successful pasture growth. Annual or bi-annual soil sampling is the easiest way to monitor soil nutrient levels. It's easy to do and inexpensive, and the results will serve as a guide for how to improve your soil.

Updated: April 14, 2021

How to Estimate Vegetative Cover

Knowing the percent vegetative cover in each pasture will help you determine whether a pasture requires additional management practices or if it needs to be renovated. Learn how to estimate pasture vegetative cover using the simple and practical step-point method.

Updated: March 5, 2021

Development of an Equine Rotational Grazing Demonstration Site for Extension Education

Improper management of grazing horses can lead to the loss of vegetative cover, soil erosion and nutrient run-off into nearby water sources . An example of poor grazing management is to allow horses to continuously overgraze pasture without allowing for rest and regrowth of the plants. Best management practices (BMPs) are practices that farm operators can use to control and reduce the farm’s risk of negatively impacting the surrounding environment.