Small Acreage Horse Keeping

inally, finally I have fulfilled one of my dreams... to have my horses in my backyard.

We have moved onto 2.5 acres (1ha) of land in the Lockyer Valley, in SE Queensland, Australia. Now, the Lockyer Valley is regarded as one of the most fertile places in Australia, but alas, unless there is water very little will grow. We are lucky that we have some grass cover, mainly couch grass, but it is short and brown and really doesn't offer the horses any feed value, though is enough to provide 'occupational therapy' for the boys.

So, what needs to be done to turn my little place into a horse property that can provide my horses with enough feed, so I don't have to feed 3 times daily and to protect excisting grass cover from being destroyed and establish new pasture in the current drought and strict water restrictions (we are on Level 4 restrictions).

Having done some courses and a lot of reading, I identified the following areas to be addressed (not necessarily in that order)

1. Develop an effective grazing system
2. Growing your own hay
3. Increase waterholding capacity of soil which is sandy loam
4. Establish pasture grasses which are suitable for the area
5. Establish an efficient manure management system
6. Draw up a property plan
7. Prevent soil erosion
8. Water management
9. Infrastructure: Yards, Stables, Sheds, Exercise area (Arena/Roundyard)

Please follow the links to
Property Plan
Paddock Fencing
Pasture
Water

Also check out 'The Store' for books and DVD's that can help you to keep your horse happy and healthy on a small acerage.