How to Manage Horse Manure in Pastures

The Impact of Horse Manure in Pastures: Problems and Best Practices for Removal

Maintaining a clean and healthy pasture is essential for the well-being of horses and the quality of grazing land. One of the key challenges in pasture management is dealing with horse manure.

While some may view it as a natural fertiliser, failing to clear manure effectively can lead to serious issues affecting soil health, parasite control, and the overall environment.

This article explores the consequences of neglecting manure removal, the problems associated with incomplete removal, and the benefits of thoroughly clearing and raking the pasture.

Problems of Not Clearing Horse Manure from Pastures

Leaving horse manure in pastures without any management can create several significant issues, impacting both the horses and the land.

1. Parasite Proliferation – One of the most concerning problems with manure accumulation is the increase in internal parasite populations. Many equine parasites, such as strongyles, ascarids, and tapeworms, have life cycles that depend on manure for egg development. Eggs and larvae hatch in faeces and spread through the pasture, leading to reinfection when horses graze. Over time, this can result in significant health issues, including colic, weight loss, and poor coat condition.

2. Poor Pasture Quality – While manure contains organic matter that can contribute to soil health, excessive accumulation leads to uneven nutrient distribution. Manure clumps smother grass, preventing regrowth, and create barren patches in the pasture. Additionally, nitrogen levels in the soil can become imbalanced, leading to acidic conditions that hinder plant growth and encourage the spread of undesirable weeds rather than nutritious forage.

3. Fly and Pest Infestation – Manure is a breeding ground for flies, midges, and other pests. Flies not only cause irritation to horses but can also spread diseases such as equine infectious anaemia and summer sores. Increased fly populations create an unpleasant environment for both horses and humans and can significantly impact the welfare of animals.

4. Runoff and Water Contamination – Decomposing manure contributes to the leaching of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus into nearby water sources, particularly after heavy rainfall. This runoff can lead to water pollution, algal blooms, and contamination of drinking sources, negatively affecting both livestock and local ecosystems.

5. Odour and Aesthetic Issues – An unmanaged pasture filled with manure not only creates an unpleasant smell but also detracts from the visual appeal of the land. In livery yards and equestrian centres, poorly maintained pastures may present a bad impression to visitors and clients.

Implications of Poorly Cleared Manure

In some cases, manure removal may be attempted but not carried out effectively, leaving remnants scattered across the pasture. While this is an improvement over complete neglect, it still presents several ongoing problems:

1. Residual Parasite Risks – Even if some manure is removed, leaving small amounts behind means that parasite eggs and larvae may still be present in the pasture. This incomplete approach allows worms to persist in the grazing environment, maintaining the cycle of infection.

2. Patchy Pasture Growth – Partially removed manure still contributes to nutrient imbalances in the soil. Areas with leftover faeces may become over-fertilised while others remain depleted, leading to uneven pasture growth and creating an unattractive, poorly utilised grazing area.

3. Lingering Fly Problems – Flies and other pests can continue to breed in small manure remnants. Even a limited number of breeding sites can sustain a high population of flies during warm weather, making pest control difficult.

4. Compaction and Soil Health Issues – When manure is left on the ground and only partially cleared, it can contribute to soil compaction. This makes it harder for water and air to reach plant roots, reducing the overall health of the pasture.

5. Reduced Grazing Efficiency – Horses naturally avoid grazing in areas where manure is present, meaning that parts of the pasture may become underutilised. Over time, this results in some sections being overgrazed while others remain underdeveloped.

The Benefits of Raking After Manure Removal

An additional but often overlooked step in manure management is raking the ground after removal. This practice offers numerous benefits for pasture health and horse welfare:

1. Breaking Up Compacted Soil – Raking aerates the topsoil, reducing compaction and promoting healthy grass growth. This encourages root development and enhances the pasture’s ability to retain moisture and nutrients.

2. Spreading Residual Nutrients Evenly – Even with thorough manure removal, some organic matter may remain. Raking helps distribute these remnants more evenly, ensuring that nutrients do not concentrate in specific areas but instead support balanced pasture growth.

3. Reducing Parasite Load Further – Raking exposes parasite eggs and larvae to sunlight, which can be lethal to many equine parasites. This additional step significantly reduces the risk of reinfection and improves pasture hygiene.

4. Encouraging Grass Regeneration – By disturbing the soil slightly, raking promotes better seed germination and regrowth of grass. This is particularly beneficial in overgrazed pastures where grass needs a boost to recover.

5. Improving Aesthetic and Grazing Appeal – A well-maintained pasture with evenly distributed, healthy grass is more appealing for both horses and owners. Horses are more likely to graze efficiently when the land is free from manure clumps and overgrown, unwanted vegetation.

6. Reducing Pest Habitats – By breaking up and dispersing remaining organic matter, raking also minimises habitats for flies and other pests. This supports a cleaner and more comfortable environment for horses.

How to Manage Horse Manure in Pastures Conclusion

Effective manure management is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive pasture. Allowing manure to accumulate unchecked leads to severe problems, including parasite infestations, poor pasture quality, fly infestations, and environmental damage.

Even if manure is only partially removed, the risks remain significant, particularly in terms of parasite control and uneven pasture growth.

By taking the extra step of thoroughly removing manure and raking the ground afterward, pasture health is optimised. Raking enhances soil aeration, distributes nutrients more evenly, reduces parasite loads, and encourages grass regeneration. This results in a cleaner, healthier, and more visually appealing pasture, ultimately benefiting both the horses and their owners.

For the best equine management, complete and consistent manure removal, coupled with raking, should be a standard part of pasture maintenance. The Sherlock 1.8 Poo Picker is the most innovative equestrian development in years