A rotational grazing program can generally be defined as use of several pastures with one being grazed while the others are rested. Continuous grazing is use of one pasture. With large pastures, the horse decides when, where, what, and how long to graze. Use of low-cost, versatile fencing to reduce pasture size can transfer decision making from the animal to the manager and usually results in more efficient utilization of available pasture and more control over pasture allocation by quality and quantity based on horse's needs. Rotational grazing requires skillful decisions and close monitoring of their consequences.
The right time to rotate pastures depends on many factors. Making the following five observations can help with the decision:
1. Look down. Has the present paddock been used as much as desired, or is there too much forage left? Leave a little more forage than seems necessary.
2. Look ahead. Is the next paddock ready for grazing? How fast is pasture growth? Fast growth may indicate the need to speed up rotation or harvest some paddocks for hay. Slow growth signals the need to lighten stocking rate, add acres, or feed hay.
3. Look at the horses. Are they in good condition? High-performing horses (lactating, young horses) should be moved more often.
4. Look behind. How fast is the last paddock regrowing? Periods of slow growth may signal the need to slow the rotation, reduce stocking rate (by adding grazing acres), or feed hay. Slowing the rotation (more days per paddock) increases days per paddock. Future regrowth from these "overgrazed" paddocks will be slower.
5. Look at the calendar. During the active growing season, residual forage height should be managed to allow fast regrowth. On fall and winter pasture, graze longer and closer on each paddock to use forage that otherwise would be lost during the winter.
