Today we put the horses out to graze for the first time this season, and were they ever a happy bunch. It's been a long, long winter here -- unusually so, everyone tells us -- so we were a few weeks behind on grass growth. But finally the grass was tall enough, and thick enough, for grazing, so Kate and I led them out to the pastures and turned them loose. In that photo above, Kate is leading the first set, blind Cash and blind Lena, to the upper paddock.
As we do every year at the start of the grazing season, we let them stay out only for a couple of hours at first, then we will gradually increase the length of time they stay on pasture. Too much green grass too soon can cause problems for them.
You can see the dandelions got a head start on the grass -- we had a bumper crop, and so did everyone else. I've never seen so many dandelions in pastures and lawns as I have here in Lancaster this spring. None of the horses seemed to mind, of course ... Lena just considered them another tender green in her New Hampshire salad bar:
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Nothing better than seeing horse kicking up their heels when let loose in the pasture. We had our blind horse get spooked and bust through the fence the other day. So if you have any helpful hints for us, please let me know! Enjoy the grazing!
Posted by: cheap customized jerseys | June 03, 2011 at 12:03 AM
I agree. The pictures of the lush pastures and the horses..........are lovely. Thank you for sharing them. I can never get enough of those horsey pics.
Posted by: Evelyn | June 02, 2011 at 12:08 PM
That is some beautiful green grass! It's been so hot and dry here that all our grass has been turning brown. We need rain something awful.
It's wonderful to see the horses enjoing themselves in the pastures. I'm sure they are very happy!
Posted by: Ann | June 01, 2011 at 12:04 AM
Makes ME happy seeing THEM happy in such peaceful and beautiful surroundings. I hope they have a wonderful beginning of the season feast (in moderation of course).
Posted by: Angela | May 31, 2011 at 12:02 PM
I totally agree with you. Love the sight of horses grazing once again. We follow the same regiment.......weaning them onto grass. And yes, we have a bumper crop of dandelions as well. That doesn't stop them. Nothing better than seeing horse kicking up their heels when let loose in the pasture. We had our blind horse get spooked and bust through the fence the other day. So if you have any helpful hints for us, please let me know! Enjoy the grazing!
Posted by: Mick Zolnowsky | May 31, 2011 at 11:10 AM
Spring has sprung. Fresh air, green grass, flowers and happy horses! Nice.
Posted by: Anne in FL | May 31, 2011 at 08:58 AM
That's a beautiful sight, Steve! Love to see happy horses in green pastures! :-)
Posted by: Cassie Betz | May 31, 2011 at 01:09 AM
They are beautiful...it's great to see them out in the pastures!
Posted by: Glenda | May 30, 2011 at 10:55 PM