Excellent Opportunity to Network with Other Horse Owners Regarding Ways to Manage Mud, Manure and Pastures
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Date Added: 6/8/2011
Summer is nearly here! As you go out to your pastures (which should be in peak condition), what are you noticing? Weeds? Mud and manure? Flies? Perhaps you are already tired of scrubbing out that algae scum in the water trough, or you need to install/replace some fencing, but you’re on a tight budget. Maybe you’re just setting up a horse property and aren’t sure where to start?
If so, here is an excellent opportunity for you!
We’re offering a tour of the Chesapeake Bay-Friendly Horse Farm in Gainesville, VA on the evening of Tuesday, June 21st, 2011, 6;30p-8:30p (rain date June 28). This grant-funded model horse farm will provide you with a visual, real-life view of what could work on your farm, taking your budget into account as well. You will see several different types of fencing, from temporary to permanent, an automatic frost-proof and electricity free water trough, an effective and chore-efficient manure management system, an alternative slow hay feeder, and, most importantly, green pastures and happy horses! We will discuss and show you ways that can help make your farm look just as great: why and how to utilize sacrifice areas, the importance of gutters, buffer fencing and its significance to helping water quality, the effectiveness of rotational grazing, seed selection, fertilizer/lime/soil sampling, etc. You will also learn how these practices provide horses with healthy homes, potentially save money (i.e. not replanting grass every year), reduce your chore time/effort, and even help improve soil and water quality, as well as the Chesapeake Bay.
We hope to see you there!
For more information on the tour and to register, please contact Nicole Ethier, Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District at 703-594-3621 or nicoleethier@pwswcd.org. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. $5 FEE/PERSON PAYABLE BY MAIL OR AT THE FARM. Please bring a refillable water bottle. You can also visit our website at www.pwswcd.org/horse-owners. Can’t make the June 21st tour? Inquire about another tour on Saturday, July 9th.
Staff from the Prince William and Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts will be there to answer your questions and schedule visits to your Prince William or Fairfax county horse properties.
The model horse farm is a cooperative project between Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District, the VA Department of Conservation & Recreation, & Oakwood Farm
Tour offered in partnership with the Clifton Horse Society &
Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District
The tour will cover:
Different types of fencing, from temporary to permanent
Automatic frost-proof and electricity-free water troughs
Innovative manure management system
Alternative slow hay feeders
Sacrifice areas/bluestone dust paddocks
Rotational grazing
Seed selection and seeding
Fertilization and lime application based on soil testing
You will also learn how these practices provide horses healthy homes, can save money, reduce chore time/effort, and help improve soil and water quality, as well as the Chesapeake Bay.
By Nicole Ethier, Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District
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