Farm/Ranch Keeping

As the days get longer and we realize we survived a winter of extreme weather and shaky economics, it’s a good time to take a new look at your home, farm or property

As springtime weather allows me to walk and explore my property once again, I make note of the things I didn’t get done last year. Think how great it would be if these things had been done 10 years ago when I began developing the property.

Read more: Springtime: Taking Stock of Your Horse Property

Dear HH,

I appreciate the concept of Holistic Horse — it is what everyone should be practicing. However, regarding your [Natural Tank Cleaner] article by Shari Frederick: I would like to know just how holistic it is to have goldfish in a water trough? Holistic for whom? Certainly not for the fish.

Read more: Reader Says Goldfish in Water Tank is "Inhumane"

RECYCLE OLD FARM ITEMS

Old railroad ties can be enjoyed by goats or used to line a fence to deter varmints from digging under.

 

Make use of old metal water troughs with rotted bottoms by filling with soil and transplanted succulents or add useful herbs or plants.

 

Machinery parts get second career:

 - a mineral block server for your horse, complete with built in water drainage

- fenceline accents

- creative gates and yard art

 

PUT UNWANTED ROCKS AND TREES TO USE

Some rocks are useful for erosion control. Others, well...what to do?

Read more: More Tips on Purifying Your Pasture

Organic pasture practices purify and sustain your pasture, providing maximum support for your horses

 

The Purification Process

1) Identify the soil quality and make necessary adjustments.

2) Make and follow a plan to detoxify, fertilize and combat insects organically.

3) Remove weeds and poisonous plants, re-transplant others.

4) Introduce plants that benefit the soil and or thrive in your pasture.

5) Haul off or find good use for random debris.

6) Rotate crops and grazing.

 

Read more: Purify Your Pasture

A Fishy Horse Tale

- Always buy more fish than you think are necessary for the water trough size. Plan on half of the fish dying; try to end up with about 2 fish per 60 gallons.

- Check with the goldfish supplier to confirm that the fish are hardy (if the seller’s tank is contaminated it takes time to clear disease).

- Keep new fish in their bag overnight, floating in the trough, to acclimate them to the water temperature BEFORE opening the bag.

- Once released, some fish die within the first 4 days.

- The trough can stay crystal clear with only sediment on the bottom.

- After a rain the trough will naturally become temporarily dirty.

- If the fish are not doing their job, the sides of the trough can become covered in algae.

From the "why not try it?" files, this one actually worked. After water got under the hay tarp (despite our heroic efforts to prevent it), several bales on the bottom were moldy and soiled. Out of necessity to assure NO risk to the horses, and a great dislike for WASTE, I took a chain saw and simply sawed off the bad end of the hay bales. 

WHO KNEW?

 

The moldy hay was hauled off and the SAFE usable hay went on to nourish deserving horses.

-- Shari Frederick, happyhorsehavenrescue.com