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Enter the number of horses, the pasture quality and the grazing season in days. The calculator multiplies the acres per horse per year for that quality by the season fraction, scales it to the herd or flock, and splits it into 7 rotation paddocks, with a hectares conversion. Results are planning estimates: local rainfall, soil and grass species change real carrying capacity a lot.
A horse needs about 1.75 acres per year on good pasture, 2.50 acres on average pasture and 4.00 acres on poor pasture in this calculator. Four horses on good pasture for a full 365 day season need 7.00 acres, which is 1.75 acres per horse, 1.00 acre per paddock in a 7 paddock rotation, and 2.83 hectares. Six horses on average pasture for 180 days need 7.40 acres, because a half season needs about half the yearly area. This horse stocking rate calculator sets the stocking rate from pasture quality and season.
Horses graze close to the ground, spot graze favourite grasses, and trample loafing areas into mud, so they need more acres per animal than cattle on the same ground. The common grazing guide is 2 acres for the first horse and 1 extra acre per additional horse, which is above this calculator's turnout minimum. Rest and rotate paddocks, harrow droppings, and reseed bare patches to keep pasture productive.
Splitting pasture into 7 paddocks gives each paddock rest while horses graze fresh growth in turn. Horses need a sacrifice paddock or dry lot for wet weather, because turnout on wet ground destroys grass fast. Move horses when grass is grazed down to the residual height for your grass type, not when the ground is bare.
Spring grass is rich and fast growing, which suits most horses in moderation but risks laminitis in prone animals, so limit grazing time in spring for at risk horses. Keep hay backup for dry spells and winter, and destock or rest paddocks early rather than overgrazing, because overgrazed horse pasture recovers slowly and weeds take over.
About 1.75 acres per year on good pasture, 2.50 acres on average pasture and 4.00 acres on poor pasture in this calculator. Four horses on good pasture for a full year need 7.00 acres.
A common grazing guide is 2 acres for the first horse and 1 extra acre per additional horse, above the turnout minimum used here.
Yes, horses graze close, spot graze favourite grasses and trample loafing areas, so they need more acres per animal than cattle on the same ground.
Seven paddocks is a common starting rotation in this calculator, giving each paddock rest while horses graze fresh growth in turn.
Most horses can, but laminitis prone horses need limited spring grazing time, because spring grass is rich and fast growing.
A dry lot or sacrifice paddock is a small hard surfaced area used in wet weather so horses do not destroy grazing pasture.
Keep hay backup, rest paddocks early, and never graze pasture to bare ground. Overgrazed horse pasture recovers slowly.
Minimum stall size, stall area and stable total from horse height.
Daily water for horses by weight, workload and climate.
Daily hay, grain, water and bales from body weight, workload and waste allowance.
Total area, acres, square side and fence length for horse pens.
Estimated due date, foaling window, days remaining and progress for mare.
Acres needed, acres per cow, paddock size and hectares for cow pasture.