> > I find it a catch 22 situation: > How does one put their easy-keeper, pre-disposed ponies on acres and acres of land without them eating too much and foundering themselves in the process? > I can see this working in the desert, but not where there's any kind of forage to speak of. I surely couldn't do it with the acreage and the types of ponies I have. >
You are right.By the time I have fenced off lush grass to ration it in the spring/summer there isn't enough space for them to exercise properly despite the sacrifice area and the fact I design long strips for max distance to the water. It's definitely a catch 22. It has been suggested that I use my new arena as a winter paddock and to keep them off the spring grass. It's better than bringing them in to a small yard. At least I will be able to exercise them regularly in any weather. That's one of the dilemmas we are all in unless we have the perfect grazing for natives. I have bought some 'pony mix' seed which is supposed to be reduced risk for laminitis. I am using it to reseed. Much of the land round here is for fattening cattle or making hay so really not the best grazing mix. I put them out at night in the summer and day in the winter. Sometimes 24 hours if the weather is good and there isn't too much grass. I backfence the grazed areas. I guess that's the best I can do. Does anyone have any other ideas. I did't realise I was going to need a degree in horticulture to own two ponies. It is so complicated and much of it beyond our control. Sue UK
