It was me that posted about 1 horse per 3
acres... We have 10 acres in pasture for 3 horses. At that pasture
load, they are out on grass without supplementation (except hay when the snow
gets too deep - we're in the Lake Effect snow belt).
I COULD keep 1 horse per 3/4 acre, if I wanted
intensively manage the property. I prefer to see my horses grazing on lush
pastures.
I guess the question becomes:
How many horses can I keep comfortably with
minimal management on small acreage? vs How many can I
stuff on the lot? vs Something in
between? Ideas of "small acreage" varies by area
as well. My 16 acres are SMALL compared to many around here. I'm
told that I have "such a cute little property".
Someone posted that she was in WVa, VA, MD.
area, and "could keep 1 horse on 3 acres" -
'A good rule of thumb'.
But, conditions vary greatly, even just
within the same counties. I have 3 horses on 5
acres. I am in VA, alot of shale soil here - for
me, and I can keep 3 horses on that / shale , - I
would not recommend !, and have to be careful, ( the other
side of the county has 'good' soil - they can "easily"! - if
managed well - keep 1 horse per 1 to 2 acres - without giving hay
late spring til early fall).
I have to work a bit harder to keep
even reasonable pasture
