When you think about mowing, horses probably aren’t the first thing that come to mind. But for equestrians looking to create a training space, it’s a must. In this Backyard Life video, international fashion model and equestrian Willow Hand puts her Exmark to work, dishing out mowing tips while transforming an overgrown field into clean-cut horse jumping lanes for her young horse, Silver Sky Baby.
Mowing for Horse Jumping Lanes
While horses might be living, breathing, grass-cutting machines, not every grassy area should be left untouched for them to graze to their delight. When you’re setting up an area for training—especially jumping—keeping the grass short is key. It’s not just about looks: the shorter blades help both horse and rider see where they’re going. Helping reduce tripping hazards, and keeping the young horses focused on the jumps ahead.
Even then, your grazing pastures should be cut every so often. They need to be trimmed down every once in a while to keep the grass healthy and green—and for your horses maximize the nutrients they get out of it. And, just like we have favorite foods, horses tend to prefer grazing in certain areas over others. Making routine mowing of your pastures even more necessary to prevent over-grazing—and a dead and diseased property, to boot.
