Pasture Safety

Curious and playful, horses can get into all kinds trouble. Some things are obvious (open gates, broken fence boards) and some require a closer look (gopher holes, poisonous plants). Don't delay—check for these common pasture safety problems today!

1. Wide Open Gates: OK, this seems obvious. But confess: haven't you left your gate open once or twice "just for a sec?" Close the gate every time. Really. Every time.

2. Electric Fence Failure: All fencing should be inspected periodically, but electric fence needs a little more. It's a great fencing choice, but it can short out and lose voltage.

A continuous snapping noise often alerts you to a problem with your electric fence, but voltage drain can be silent and go undetected. An inexpensive, hand-held voltage testers can be used for manual checks.

3. Loose or Broken Boards: Wood is sturdy and beautiful, but subject to weather related problems. Wood dries out and splits, and you'll end up with popped nails and loose boards. And of course, wood rails are perfect for chewing, rubbing and scratching (if you're a horse) which leads to more damage. Broken wood is the cause of most fence-related puncture wound injuries.

Periodically walk your fence line to assess damage; carry a hammer and a few nails to avoid a trip back to the barn. This common pasture safety step should be done every few months.

4. Protrusions: There will always be something sharp, pointy, jagged, ragged or dangerous lurking in your pasture or barn; if there's something that can cause an injury, you horse will spend time looking for it. Think like a horse: What would happen if I stuck my head in HERE and then SWUNG my head like this? Keep your eyes open for jagged tree limbs, sharp edges on machinery, protruding nails...you get the idea. Horses don't always follow your pasture safety rules; you may need to protect them from themselves.

5. Toxic Plants: Contact your local agricultural extension for a list of poisonous pasture plants that are common to your area.

6. Objects Working Up from the Ground: It is a natural phenomenon: the appearance of rocks and other objects where there once was none. As the ground gets walked on, rained on and windswept, the soil gets worn down and stuff magically appears. Rocks can sprain a horses leg and sharp objects can get embedded in her hoof. This is similar to the protrusion problem: a very small object in a very big field will find its way to your horse.

7. Fence Problems: Not all fences work for all horses. If you have a stallion, he shouldn't be pastured near a field of mares without a tall and sturdy fence. It should be high enough and sturdy enough to very strongly discourage jumping or running through.

If you have mares with foals, be sure the bottom rail of your fence is not so high that a foal can roll under it. Pasture the mare and foal within a “horseproof” no-climb wire mesh fence.

8. Personality Conflicts: Some horses just do not get along. And it can get ugly. Always introduce horses to one another gradually. Pastures can be like your worst grade school memories, complete with bullies, nervous biters and incurable teasers. Take these personalities into account when you turn out your horses.

Herd hierarchy can change when illness or age affects a horse’s ability to maintain his position. Inevitably, there will be a horse that wants to take his place. Keep a special eye on your weaker friends.

9. Shared Fence Lines: Use caution when sharing fence lines. Horses can play or fight over the top and cause injury. This isn't always a problem, but keep it in mind when planning your pastures. It's a good idea to adopt injury prevention measures such as putting caps on t-posts, stringing electric wire or tape along the top rail, or “flagging” fence to define boundaries for new horses.

10. Gopher/Animal Holes: Gophers, groundhogs and chipmunks make burrows. Dogs make random holes for almost no reason. Rock removal leaves low spots. Dead tree roots finally decompose and leave a depression. All of these hazards can be covered up by lush pasture grass, so the time to search for these is in the early spring. Fill and seed as needed.

Identifying and eliminating pasture safety hazards is time well spent. A few hours every few months is all it really takes to keep your horses safe and happy in their pasture.

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