University of Kentucky Horse Pasture Evaluation Program

The University of Kentucky Horse Pasture Evaluation Program is a service program offered to horse farms in Kentucky with the goal of overall improved pasture management and is part of UK Ag Equine Programs Maintaining quality horse pasture requires implementing management practices that will encourage the growth of desirable forages such as Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass and white clover, while reducing weeds and bare soil. By improving the quality and productivity of the pasture, we can reduce the need for stored feed such as hay and concentrate, create a safe and aesthetically pleasing space for horses in a more natural setting and protect environment around us. Tall Fescue is a very significant issue facing all equine breeding operations in Kentucky. Tall fescue is a cool season perennial grass that is incredibly well adapted to the southeastern United States. Most wild tall fescue plants are infected with an endophyte that produces a wide spectrum of chemicals including ergot alkaloids. Some of the compounds give the plant increased drought resistance, insect resistance and resilience under intense grazing pressure. However other compounds produced have negative effects on pregnant mares such as prolong gestation, foaling difficulties, lack of milk production and foal loss. Tall fescue is found on every farm in Kentucky and eradication is not feasible at the point in time. The pasture evaluation program aims to help farm owners and managers understand tall fescue and how to manage around it to reduce the risk of toxicity to broodmares.