REGULAR field maintenance is key to ensuring a productive and injury-free turnout space, contributing to both equine health and land sustainability throughout the grazing season.Harrowing and rolling equine fields offers several important benefits for maintaining healthy pastures and supporting the well-being of horses. Most of us know that harrowing helps to break up and spread manure, promoting even nutrient distribution and reducing parasite hotspots. It also loosens compacted soil, encouraging better grass growth by improving air and water penetration.

Rolling, on the other hand, helps to level uneven ground caused by hooves or winter weather, reducing the risk of injury to horses and creating a smoother, more even grazing surface. It also helps to press stones back into the soil and firm up seedbeds if reseeding is needed. Together, harrowing and rolling maintain pasture health, support quality forage production, and create a safer environment for horses to graze and move.

Right conditions

While harrowing and rolling can be beneficial, they also have some potential downsides for grass growth if not done correctly or under the right conditions:

Soil compaction: Rolling, especially on wet or heavy clay soils, can compact the soil, reducing air and water movement. This limits root growth and can stunt grass development.

Damage to wet grass: Harrowing or rolling when the ground is too soft or wet can tear up young grass shoots or disturb established root systems, leading to patchy or weakened pasture.

Disruption of soil structure: Over-harrowing can break down soil structure, leading to erosion or poor water retention, both of which hinder healthy grass growth.

Encouragement of weeds: Harrowing may bring weed seeds to the surface or disturb the soil in a way that encourages invasive species, competing with grass for nutrients.

Stress on emerging growth: In early spring, rolling can flatten tender new growth, delaying recovery and reducing early pasture productivity.

Timing and soil condition are key to avoiding these negatives.