hand grazing

[lisae]

What's everyone's feedback on allowing one's horse to graze at the end of the lead? Our pasture is somewhat undersized for two horses, so by season's end, they are down to very little grazing, while lush lawn tempts them on the other side of the fence. I've been allowing them the treat of a walk out and grazing while I stand around on the other end of the line. I generally make each of them walk/trot/whoa before allowing them to eat, to keep them up to snuff on leading. (Especially the 18-month old). We've added a new horse, a sweet Haflinger brood mare who drives and rides. too. NOW, hubby is advocating NEVER hand-grazing them, as he thinks it gives them the go-ahead to fling their heads down every time they are on grass. He's saying this will spoil the driving mare, who should stand like a rock no matter what kind of ground she is on. I admit that the horses have now developed a tendency to pull towards the lawn when they think it's treat time! Please advise, additional opinions would be welcomed.

[ponyvet]

provided you always graze them in a specific place (like a paddock) and not just at random places at the side of a path, or garden, and you discourage them from snatching grass when ridden, I think they'll be ok.

After colic surgery we bring horses back into feed gently, and aim to have them grazing in hand after a week. Then when they go home the owners are told to graze them in hand for up to 2 months, whilst they are being box rested. This is because it's nice for the horses, they get some grass, but they can't run about and damage their abdominal wounds. I've never had anyone complain that their horse becomes difficult when ridden afterwards. (I'd be interested to know if anyone out there has had that experience though!)

[Sharon H]

I've always grazed my horses in hand. I like to take them around the hedgerows and see which wild plants they like to eat. It's never caused me any problems. They know the difference between work and play.

[Bebe]

I frequently handgraze my horse and her leading manners are impeccable. I tend to ask her to stand and then step backwards, this is her cue to graze. Other people I know teach their horse a specific word or other command to let them know that it's okay to graze. Some horses try to take the mickey but if you're consistent about when and where and give them a command or cue to go on most are pretty good and know the difference.

Amanda

[floppy]

i ride a haflinger ride and drive mare...she only grazes if i am dismounted and allow her to graze...took a few lessons but now she only eats if i offer it to her..otherwise she will stand and look around.

[RingLass]

There should not be a problem with grazing in hand. I always take my horses out on leads and let them graze out front of the barn before I take them to a show (none of them are particularly fond of trailering and it allows them to calm down a great deal.) The only thing I would recommend is to never use a nose chain while they're grazing, even if they have a tendancy to spook. They could step through the slack while grazing or harm their nose if they jerk their heads up suddenly.