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Tips for Checking Your Horse's Fences, Fields, and Paddocks

Spring Pasture Care Tips

By , About.com Guide

Early spring is the best time to frost seed your pastures. Consult your local agricultural office for the best time and grass varieties for your location.

Check fence lines for loose or broken rails, wire, gate hinges or latches.

Tighten or repair electric fence lines. Snow, ice and wind can cause electric fence wire to become loose over the winter. Retighten insulators and re-tension the wires. Also check for downed branches or thick weeds that could short the circuit out.

Walk your pastures and look for any debris that may be heaved up by the frost, or heaved over the fence by passers-by. An acquaintance of mine was surprised to find a bottle a few feet from a round bale feeder-at some yards away from the nearest roadside.

Choose a stretch of warm sunny weather to paint stable exteriors and paint or creosote fences before the weather gets too hot to work comfortably.

Take note (and photos) of areas with drainage problems so you can remember where to add fill or improve drainage once the ground is dry.

Get your pasture growing with the proper fertilizers or soil amendments. Consult your local agricultural office for soil testing services and recommendations specific to your area and soil type.

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