Most pasture systems don’t need a perfect solution. They need a functional starting point. Some plant species can establish across a wide range of soils and conditions. Others are far more specific, thriving only where drainage, fertility, and management align with their needs. In this article, we’ll refer to these as general purpose horse pasture seed mixes (broadly adaptable) and specialist horse pasture seed mixes designed for specific soil conditions. The Common Mistake w

We often worry about what’s growing in our pastures. Due to concerns about toxicity, palatability and competition rules, it’s tempting to play it safe by removing any plant we are unsure about, but that causes its own issues. Loss of biodiversity reduces the availability of a balanced diet, complete with phytonutrients and can make our pastures less resilient to weather extremes - something that is becoming more important is we face climate changes. Correct plant identificat

Can Horses Graze a Herbal Ley? Most herbal ley seed mixes are actually designed for livestock systems, even if they are technically suitable for horses. These mixes often target UK agricultural schemes such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship Scheme , including the SAM3 Herbal Ley and GS4 Herbal Ley . They are designed to improve soil health, biodiversity, and forage production. But are they suitable for horses, especially laminitic or metaboli

This mare is overweight and has laminitis in the top photo. In the bottom photo, the mare has lost weight and no longer has acute laminitis. Laminitis is one of the most feared conditions in horse ownership. It can be devastating and, in severe cases, fatal. Because of this, many horse owners look for ways to make grazing safer. Concerns often increase during periods of rapid grass growth, when weather conditions encourage lush pasture. Alongside growing awareness that some h