Equine land management advice
Managing equestrian land sustainably
- Do you have horse sick pastures that are prone to poaching in winter, bare of grass in summer or full of weeds?
- Do you want to learn how to manage your land so it can provide consistent nutrition for your horse throughout the year?
- Are you interested in cutting the cost of fertilisers by using your horse’s manure for grass growth?
ADAS offers independent support for equine owners who want to improve their land management and resilience. Our expertise ranges from practical grassland advice to rural grant application support. Irrespective of the size of the yard or the condition of the horse – small, round natives or sports horses – we will support with managing your land in a way that will benefit your horses, their welfare and their living environment.
Why choose ADAS Equine?
As a company, ADAS has advised land managers on sustainable farm practices for over 75 years. As a team of horse owners, we know that horses have different pasture needs to those of other livestock. From sports horses to those with metabolic conditions like laminitis, each will have their unique forage requirements.
We consider your circumstances and use the latest research to provide the right advice for your land and horses.
Equine and management services
We are a multidisciplinary team comprising agricultural and sustainability experts. We have a practical understanding of land management as well as expertise in the challenges facing the equine sector.
Management, measuring and monitoring
After a visit to assess the current state of the land, we will establish the key issues and identify areas that need improvement, giving you a clear baseline for action. Moreover, we will guide you step-by-step on how to enhance pasture productivity.
Grass management
If restoring grass cover after winter is an issue, potential solutions could include adjusting nutrient application timings or the use of harrows. We can also advise on alternative grazing systems such as tracks, paddock paradise, or rotational grazing.
Weeds, pests and diseases
With our in-house team of weed and crop specialists, we will quickly identify potential weed, pest and disease problems. To resolve, we will work with you to put effective treatment and management plans in place. Depending on the issue, this could be with or without chemical control.
Sustainability and biodiversity
To better understand your environmental impact, we conduct a comprehensive sustainability audit of your land. This will outline actions you can take to enhance biodiversity and reduce emissions.
Soil health
Healthy soil is vital for resilience and grass growth. We will conduct soil testing to understand its nutritional needs. To enhance drainage, we will build soil structure and address compaction issues. By building organic matter and achieving the right pH balance, drought and flood resilience will improve. To make the most of your manures, we will offer guidance on nutrient and manure management planning. This could cover composting, storage, appropriate application timing and methods.
Access to nature markets and grant funding
There are several funding options open to equine landowners, including grants for hedge and woodland planting, biodiversity improvements and emission reduction. Our team will help you find and apply for funding that best suit your land and your business. This could include Countryside Stewardship or selling biodiversity net gain (BNG) credits.
Training in sustainable land management
ADAS offers sustainable land management training courses for individuals, groups and organisations. This training can be conducted online or face to face. Our training covers:
- An introduction to equestrian land management
- Practical solutions to improving the resilience of the land
- Key sustainability challenges including climate change and biodiversity loss
ADAS Equine Land Management Academy
The ADAS Equine Land Management Academy is an online library of courses for equine land managers by land and sustainability experts.
Turn your challenges into opportunities
Clear and expert advice to support you with agricultural opportunities.
Speak to the team