Horses and Dexters

Caroline · Post by **Caroline** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 12:34 am

We have a Highland pony who is typical of the breed. She is soon to lose her companion, would it be possible to graze her in a field with polled cattle?

Saffy · Post by **Saffy** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 9:28 am

Hi Caroline,
It is possible to graze cattle and horses together,however there are a few pitfalls that I know of and probably more that I don't!
Firstly some horses and ponies will chase the cattle ragged, I am not sure whether this is for sport or because they are on their patch.
The other problem alot of people experience is that if they get on well the cattle like to munch on the horses tails and they end up with a very short scruffy switch.
If you do graze them together you would need to be in a position to keep a close eye on them in my opinion.
Other people may have a different view and I am sure more advice will arrive here soon.
Congratulations and good luck with your dexters.

Stephanie

Caroline · Post by **Caroline** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 10:12 am

Thanks for the advice. All help and opinions are welcome. The land can be seen from my window as I have a small holding used for self sufficency. I think it would be a case of monitoring it like I would for any herd (be it horses/pigs/sheep etc), we have enough land that any sign of trouble I could easily whip out and swap fields. Perhaps I will do the same as when we had the livery buisness. Put them in the field next door so they can see each other and introduce slowly. Couple of hours at a time etc.