[trefnantbach]

We've recently taken on two race horses to graze one of our 2-and -a-half acre fields where the grass was starting to grow out of control. We've not long moved into our small holding and not got out act together re stock yet. Anyway the horses are two quiet gentle giants and are no trouble at all. Not only are they solving our excess grass problem but are also bringing in an income. One is in retirement and the other is resting after an injury but will be back racing next year hopefully.

Our dilemma is what to do with all the poo they deposit in the field! To keep on top of it  and keep the field poo-free takes  about two hours of poo picking and two wheelbarrowfulls per day! Is there an easier alternative??
I would appreciate some suggestions. Some ideas I have considered include:-
Using electric tape to divide the field and giving them only a quarter at a time - at least we wouldn't have to search the whole two-and-a-half acres for poo every time.
secondly - could we get away with not poo picking? but instead, when we move the horses to a new section of field we graze what is left with a mob of sheep and then harrow the field to breakup and spread out the  horse poo and then rest it for a few weeks before the horses return? would this solve the poo problem or make it worse?

Alternatively we could invest in a mechanical poo picker towed behind the ride-on - has anyone experience of these?

[Hardfeather]

It's a good idea to sub-divide the field anyway, if only to better utilize the grass. If you do decide to continue to poo pick, or to use a mechanical means, it is easier on shorter sward. A single electric rope or tape would allow the sheep to graze the whole area, whilst restricting the horses. Also, if you decide to top the grass, you can do this ahead of the horses so that the paddock is safe by the time they come round to it. This also applies to any spraying of weeds which may be required.

Dividing the whole into three or four paddocks would allow a few weeks' rest between grazings, during which time a harrow, and perhaps a roll, would keep the empty paddocks right. Harrowing and rolling are weather dependant, though, so things don't always go to plan. Harrow during dry conditions so that the dung is broken up and desiccated.

If you have enough sheep, you may not need to roll. Sheep are very good at compacting the surface, and their close grazing habit helps grass to tiller out and thicken the sward.

Mechanical poo pickers are a controversial subject. The brush type, which flicks the dung into a container, tend to be useless in long grass. There is also a theory that soil disturbance plays a part in grass sickness, so anything which tears at the soil surface may not be a good idea.

There are other types which 'hoover' the dung up through a big bore tube, which doesn't disturb the soil surface. Some of them cause the dung to pass through a fan-like chopping device which breaks it down and creates a mulch. However, these machines require the operator to handle the considerable weight of the tube, and to jump on and off the quad or tractor required to tow the machine. Quite hard work on a hot day.

Horses are not easy to manage at grass. There are so many factors to consider, such as the dietary needs of the individuals; their work load (if any); weather conditions and grass growth; any fertilizers used; and the time of year. No two people have the same views, either, so good luck with your project.

[egglady]

we have one of the poo pickers that goes on the back of the quad and to be honest, it was a waste of money.  the idea is great but like aengusog says, it is so weather dependant plus it depends upon the length of the grass and i had also heard about soil disturbance and grass sickness. i'd subdivide the field and continue to manually pooh pick - gives great compost in about a year.

[dixie]

We had horses for years and poo picking was always the worst job! we used to make piles in each corner then in the autumn we fling it over the field to fertilise! My farmer friend used to tell me off for picking it up, he said as long as they were wormed and the grazing rotated we should harrow it in! So we did in the autumn, winter and part of the Spring but found in summer when the ground was dry and hard it was better to pick it up. We have a small trailer for our ride on mower, I used to put the poo in it then tip it in the corner, 1/2 hour each day, and good exercise!!

[Hellybee]

Well our herd are on 15 acres so it would not be feasible for me to poo pick,  id be there for ever, so having this lovely dry weather we will be chan harrowing it all and then chucking on the sheep to sweeten it back up   Like Aengus says there are many factors to think about especially with a smaller amount of land to make sure you keep it in good condition, much you can take from Aengus' post there.    Good luck with whatever you decide to do

[Helencus]

I restrictine to aller paddocks andbpoo pick in the summer and worm regularly. Works for me but I still hate it! My problem is getting someone to take the muck trailer for me.. No one seems to want decent muck now a days??!

[sabrina]

I poo pick every day on the paddocks by the stables but not the hill paddocks. its just to hard going up and down with a barrow. These paddocks are rested during the winter so i find the birds do a fine job of spreading droppings about. As for the others which are done daily, it may surprise you all but I find this job relaxing, I know i am not normal 

[Helencus]

Relaxing? God I hate it! So much so I've just bought a farm quad and a Harrow!

[caz]

i quite like poo picking as well, i get lost in my thoughts doing it and then have a nice satisfied feeling afterwards. As long as i dont have to push a wheel barrow uphill!

[ellisr]

I find it relaxing too as my horse follows me around and plays with the barrow and the sheep come to play as well, I just get lost in my thoughts and watching there antics and before I know it the job is done. I have a huge pile of horse poops in the top corner of the home paddock and no body seems to want good manure here either.

[juliag]

our fields are split into paddocks with electric fencing, about 3/4 of an acre each. Not very long grass so its easy to see. The best method I have found is to unfold one of those cheap folding chairs and place in a corner of the paddock. Next get a light weight shovel and wheelbarrow and place next to pile of poo. Return to chair and open bottle of wine with cheap disposable plastic glass and pour. Sit down and watch you children go around the field picking up the poo. Kindly point out any they have missed and if you are feeling really generous you can offer to empty wheelbarrow before they continue with the next one. Needless to say you should return to said chair and wineglass until the poo is picked.  :Dworks for me every time!

[shetlandpaul]

I restrictine to aller paddocks andbpoo pick in the summer and worm regularly. Works for me but I still hate it! My problem is getting someone to take the muck trailer for me.. No one seems to want decent muck now a days??!

have you thought of mushrooms. afterwards you have spent compost ideal for the garden.

[ellisr]

I have looked up he mushroom thing but it seems that the manure from the field has to be mixed with wheat straw then turn numerous times (several weeks) before it can be used. Is this correct?
I have wanted to grow mushrooms for ages but the kits are expensive and don't work out good value for money, if I could use the horse manure without all of the straw expense and turning then I would be a very happy bunny.

[storm35]

I love poo picking, but some days  i seen me spend 4 hours per day and after 15 wheelbarrows later i was totally shattered, i did this for my mentor.
Now that i have moved, sold my horse a while back as shattered my confidence, i am now horseless and looking for a mentor type person to get me back into horses, for now i groom 4 horses, but dont ride them as one is retired, one is laminitic, one is just a young thing and other is too fiesty for me,, so looking for someoen to help me get back into riding. Poo picking is relaxing 2 or 3 barrows at a time lol.

[loosey]

Wow Storm, I wish you were near me. You could have all the riding you wanted for some poo picking!