The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Techniques and skills => Topic started by: Margery McGowan on August 16, 2017, 11:04:05 am

Title: Willow Tunnel for horses
Post by: Margery McGowan on August 16, 2017, 11:04:05 am: Hi - wonder if anyone has attempted to create a living willow 'tunnel' / shelter for horses? I have planted 2 rows of willow (only last year so early days) - planted the row approx. 12 - 15 feet apart. The idea is to have a tunnel / shelter for the horses to use - size approx. 15 feet high x 12-15 feet wide. Is such a thing possible? The willow is currently about 6-7 feet high and a bit spindly. Any help / advice would be appreciated. Thanks
Title: Re: Willow Tunnel for horses
Post by: Penninehillbilly on August 16, 2017, 12:23:52 pm: Wouldn't they eat it?
Title: Re: Willow Tunnel for horses
Post by: bj_cardiff on August 16, 2017, 12:27:26 pm: My horses eat any willow within reach..
Title: Re: Willow Tunnel for horses
Post by: Buttermilk on August 16, 2017, 06:54:21 pm: I am another who believes that the horses would eat the willow so unless fenced off to a good height the idea is doomed.
Title: Re: Willow Tunnel for horses
Post by: heyhay1984 on August 17, 2017, 01:02:43 pm: Another 'they'll eat it' here, sorry. And rabbits will have a go at it as well.

Could the same idea be achieved with bamboo, though? ???
Title: Re: Willow Tunnel for horses
Post by: landroverroy on August 17, 2017, 08:53:08 pm: Won't they eat the bamboo with equal delight? :yum:
Title: Re: Willow Tunnel for horses
Post by: Penninehillbilly on August 18, 2017, 12:04:31 am: Quote from: landroverroy on August 17, 2017, 08:53:08 pm
Won't they eat the bamboo with equal delight? :yum:
I think so.
Title: Re: Willow Tunnel for horses
Post by: doganjo on August 20, 2017, 11:06:43 pm: Wish the rabbits here would eat my willow. Wish I'd never planted it
Title: Re: Willow Tunnel for horses
Post by: landroverroy on August 20, 2017, 11:21:46 pm: Get some donkeys! They'll eat it at a much higher level than rabbits.