Wildflower Grazing Mix for Horses

Why choose this mix?

Unlike conventional grass seed mixtures, the Wildflower Grazing Mix is designed specifically for horse grazing systems.

Instead of maximising grass production, it increases functional plant diversity, helping support:

• Better soil structure

• Improved drainage

• Greater forage variety

• More resilient pasture

• Increased biodiversity

Healthy pasture is about far more than growing grass. It is about creating a grazing system that supports both horses and the land over time.

Why these plants work together

No single plant transforms a pasture. Healthy grazing systems rely on diversity.

Each species contributes something different through its rooting depth, flowering season, nutrient profile or growth habit. Together they help improve soil function, increase forage choice and support a wider range of insects and soil organisms.

This is why the mix has been designed as a balanced community of plants rather than relying on one or two "super species."

Daucus carota, Wild Carrot

• Horse: Known for its rich vitamin A and C content and low-calorie nature.

• Soil: Deep taproot loosens compacted soils, improving structure.

• Ecosystem: Nectar source for bees and beneficial insects; umbrella flowers attract predators (like parasitic wasps) which reduce irritating insects such as flies.

Galium verum, Lady’s Bedstraw

• Horse: Historically used in herbal traditions, adds variety for picky eaters.

• Soil: Ground cover, preventing erosion on light soils.

• Ecosystem: Supports moths, butterflies (larval foodplant for species like Hummingbird Hawk-moth).

Lathyrus pratensis, Meadow Vetchling or Vicia cracca, Tufted Vetch

• Horse: A source of protein in a diverse sward. Generally safe when grazed in balance. Not typically an issue in grazed pasture and extremely unlikely to be consumed in large quantities within a balanced sward*.

• Soil: Nitrogen-fixer, improving soil fertility.

• Ecosystem: Great for bumblebees and long-tongued pollinators.

Lotus corniculatus, Birdsfoot Trefoil (Ag)

• Horse: Non-bloating legume, high in Calcium, Magnesium, trace elements and Tannins. Historically linked with healthy coats and muscle tone in traditional farming systems and suitable for good doers.

• Soil: Nitrogen-fixing; stabilises poor soils.

• Ecosystem: Supports bees, butterflies (e.g., Common Blue butterfly).

Malva moschata, Musk Mallow

• Horse: Contains natural mucilage, adding texture and variety to pasture. Fed to horses for its diverse botanical properties and palatability.

• Soil: Taproot improves drainage and resilience.

• Ecosystem: Long flowering period for bees; seeds feed birds.

Onobrychis viciifolia, Sainfoin (Ag)

• Horse: Contains condensed tannins and is high in protein, minerals and Vitamin E. Non-bloating in large amounts and palatable.

• Soil: Deep root system improves drought resistance and soil structure.

• Ecosystem: Strong pollinator plant (especially for solitary bees).

Plantago lanceolata, Ribwort Plantain

• Horse: High mucilage content. This plant is rich in foliage and seeds.

• Soil: Strong fibrous roots; improves soil aeration.

• Ecosystem: Nectar source; seeds eaten by birds.

Poterium sanguisorba, Salad Burnet

• Horse: Contains tannins. It’s drought tolerant to provide grazing when other plants fail to grow. High in potassium and magnesium. 

• Soil: Drought-tolerant; stabilises thin soils.

• Ecosystem: Extended flowering for pollinators; attracts hoverflies.

Prunella vulgaris, Selfheal

• Horses: Rich in antioxidants.

• Soil: Low mat-forming habit; great for stabilising open soil.

• Ecosystem: Early and late forage for bees; great nectar source.

Rumex acetosa, Common Sorrel

• Horse: Contains trace minerals and is suitable for fussy eaters. Contains naturally occurring oxalates (common in many forage plants), not considered a risk when grazed as part of a mixed pasture. Adds diversity and interest to pastures.

• Soil: Taproot improves heavy soils.

• Ecosystem: Larval food for Small Copper butterflies; pollinator-friendly.

Taraxacum officinale, Dandelion

• Horse: Contains high levels of potassium and other trace minerals. Palatable and often grazed by horses. Horses have been seen to selectively graze the flowers or leaves and have been known to dig out the roots with their hooves to eat.

• Soil: Taproots break compacted soils, cycle minerals.

• Ecosystem: Critical early nectar for bees; seeds feed birds.

Leontodon hispidus, Rough Hawkbit

• Horse: Low sugar forage with low NSC content for good doers.

• Soil: Prefers poor soils; helps stabilise meadows.

• Ecosystem: Flowers attract butterflies and solitary bees.

Centaurea nigra, Black Knapweed

• Horse: Strong root system improves pasture footing. Its also palatable adding variety for foraging.

• Soil: Deep roots improve soil structure.

• Ecosystem: Superstar for pollinators (one of the best plants for bees and butterflies).

Anthriscus sylvestris, Cow Parsley

• Horse: Aromatic plant often grazed. Its scent may deter some biting insects.

• Soil: Early ground cover; stabilises hedgerows.

• Ecosystem: One of the best early flowers for pollinators.

Trifolium pratense, Red Clover (Ag)

• High-protein legume with calcium and magnesium. Palatable and often grazed by horses. Less aggressive than white clover and unlikely to dominate a balanced sward.

• Soil: Nitrogen fixer; key for soil fertility.

• Ecosystem: Supports bees, especially long-tongued species.

No single plant, nutrient, or management action is beneficial in isolation. Health risks arise when systems become unbalanced, whether through excessive grass sugars, repeated chemical inputs, or lack of dietary and structural diversity. Horses evolved to graze varied landscapes. When a range of plants is available, the environment enables them to self-regulate intake, supporting gut health and overall wellbeing. This mix has been designed to support that diversity while also improving soil function and ecological resilience.

The development of this seed mix is informed by published research into grazing ecology, pasture management, soil health, biodiversity and equine nutrition. You can explore supporting studies on our References & Resources page.

Note: This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure disease. If you have any concerns about plant suitability for your animals, please consult your veterinarian or nutritionist.

Batches of this seed mix may vary slightly in composition due to annual seed availability. We reserve the right to substitute varieties as needed. Availability depends on seasonal and ecological factors.

The best sowing method depends on your pasture, available rest periods and management goals. For a detailed comparison of different sowing techniques, read our guide: How to sow wildflowers in horse pasture

For a simple approach:

• Create or identify areas of bare soil.

• Scatter seed evenly.

• Press seed firmly into the soil.

• Protect from heavy grazing where possible.

• Allow time for establishment.

Recommended sowing rate:

• Overseeding: 2 g/m²

• Bare ground: 5 g/m²

Sow one for the mouse, one for the crow, one to rot, and one to grow.

Spring is often a good time to sow, after winter grazing has created exposed soil. Autumn is also suitable, provided sowing occurs before hard frosts.

Seeds can be sown at any time of year. They will remain dormant in the soil until conditions are right. For visible growth within ~21 days, sow when there is at least 8 hours of daylight and regular rainfall, or where watering is possible.

This mix is designed to be sown across areas of bare soil or to overseed low fertility grasslands. To establish a whole paddock with native grasses and wildflowers, our Biodiverse Grazing Mix for Horses is more suitable.

1.  Less grass gives more opportunity for seeds to thrive. Focus on bare, thinned-out or overgrazed areas.

2. Avoid rolling if you can - it compacts the soil.

3. Consider outside of fencing if you can't rest land. Horses get the benefit of diversity when hand grazed and it protects new growth without additional fencing.

4. Pick spots open to prevailing winds - let nature spread the seed for you!

5. Use a hand rotivator to create strips to sow seed if you think you don't have enough bare soil or your land is very compacted. This is particularly useful for sowing along the edge of a track system.

6. Protect your sown seed with fencing to prevent birds from eating the seeds, especially important if you have free range chickens! Alternatively, plant extra seed in the knowledge that some will be eaten.

7. Feed your animals their hay/silage where you plant to mulch and seed (Note. Horses and ponies should not be fed silage).

8. Mulch over heavily compacted soil to give your seed a chance to root. If you don’t want much grass growing with your wildflowers, be careful not to mulch with seedy late cut hay.

9. If creating a bare patch for a herb garden, dig a shovel blade to make small squares. Lift each square and turn it over to reveal the bare soil. Replace the squares back with the soil facing upwards and sow your seed.

10. When choosing how much seed to sow, remember: Sow one for the mouse, one for the crow, one to rot and one to grow!

11. If planting into containers, make sure they have wheels or aren't too heavy to pick up. Consider putting mesh over the top of the container for the plants to grow through. This will help prevent it from being overgrazed. 

If you would like to understand why different approaches work, and how to decide what fits your land, our educational courses explore pasture, soil, and horse welfare as connected systems. They are designed to support informed decision-making rather than one-size-fits-all rules.

Coverage: Approx. 500 m² when overseeding or 200 m² on bare soil.

Sowing Season: Ideal for spring or autumn. Summer sowing possible with regular rainfall or irrigation (watering).

Seed classification: UK-Native wildflower seed unless otherwise stated.

Why doesn't this mix contain grass seed?

This mix is designed to increase plant diversity within existing horse pasture rather than replace it. Most horse paddocks already contain abundant grass, but often have very little botanical diversity. By introducing carefully selected wildflowers and legumes, the mix helps improve soil function, forage variety and pasture resilience without increasing grass dominance.

Can I use this if I dont have time to rest my fields for the seed to grow?

Yes! Consider sowing outside of fencing if you can't rest land. Horses get the benefit of diversity when hand grazed and it protects new growth without additional fencing. If you do have some land and temporary fencing, fence off a strip of your field approximately 50cm to 1m in from the perimeter fence, sow, then rest for a minimum of three months so that roots can establish and the plants won't get pulled up by the roots when grazed. Alternatively, fence off any bare patches of soil or damaged areas to seed. Sow in an area subject to the prevailing wind on your land. This will help your plants to spread their seed across your land in future years.

How much area does 1kg cover? Roughly 500m² when overseeding (2g per m²) or 200m² when sowing on bare soil (5g per m²). 

Can I use this on poor or compacted soils? Yes – many species are chosen specifically for soil improvement and resilience (see plant benefits). Avoid use areas that waterlog. This mix is not suitable for extreme compaction unless mulching. To test the level of compaction, use your foot in a protective boot to push a pitch fork into the soil. If the fork makes no impression on the soil and cannot penetrate the ground, it is too compacted for the seed mix. If the fork does make an impression on the soil, the seed can be sown. 

Is this mix suitable for all grazing animals? Yes – It’s safe and beneficial for horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, cattle and sheep.

Do I need fertiliser, herbicides or pesticides? No – this blend is designed to thrive chemical-free and compete through biodiversity. It is important not to use herbicides as they will kill many of the plant varieties in the mix. It is also important not to use pesticides as they will harm the insects and pollinators that will spread the seed.

Will it take alot of work to get the seed to germinate? I don't have a hosepipe to water the seed.

Sow in autumn so you have more reliable rainfall or in spring when rain is forecast. In Autumn, frost will also help crack the seeds open for you.

Does it matter what soil type I have?

Yes and No. The seed mix is designed to work in most soil types but some of the plants will struggle in very extreme conditions such as extremely compacted or waterlogged soil.

Do you recommend sowing in several areas across fields and then letting them have access to browse it periodically?

It depends on your set up, your animals needs and what you are trying to achieve.

If you're doing standard rotational grazing - we would recommend using temporary fencing (i.e. electric) to fence off a damaged patch in each field and sow on to the damaged soil. Once the seed has established you can then remove the fence and rest it when you rest the field.

If you never have a chance to rest the fields or you know you overgraze them  -  We recommend creating a section of a field you can fence off and give animals access to periodically.

If you want to be able to handgraze a horse on rest - We recommend sowing along the edge of a drive (if safe), a path, or on your yard.

If you are enriching a track system - We recommend sowing along the fenceline or sowing to creating a foraging station or enrich a herb garden.

When is the best time to sow the Mix?

When there is sufficient daylight and rainfall. This is usually in spring and autumn in the UK.

Can I overseed my existing pasture with this mix?

Yes, this is a rewilding overseeding mix for horses that contains wildflowers and legumes

How long does it take for the plants to establish?

Seedlings will establish within 21 days under the correct conditions however, expect it to take a whole season for all of the wildflowers and legumes in the grazing mix to establish as they all grow and flower at different times of the year.

Will the mix come back each year or do I need to reseed?

If the land is not overgrazed, you should not need to reseed each year.

Can I use this on smallholdings or just large fields?

Both!

The Wildflower Grazing Mix for Horses is suitable for horse owners, smallholders, equestrian businesses, conservation grazing and mixed grazing systems looking to improve horse pasture naturally through greater plant diversity and healthier soils.

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