The number one species of livestock on small acreages in Montana are horses. Extensive care must be used to manage the grass on these small acreages. There are large ecological differences between native rangeland and improved pasture grasses. Unless you have a large acreage, horses should not be grazed on native rangeland due to the fact that native rangeland is easy to overgraze and that will basically destroy the native range plants. You will be left with an infestation of weeds or annual grasses.

When grazing horses on improved pasture grass, special care still needs to be used to avoid overgrazing. The majority of horses only need to graze for about two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening to fulfill their nutritional needs. During the rest of the day, that they can be kept in the corral to avoid overgrazing. In the long run it is more economical to supplement your horses with hay rather than overgrazing your pasture. If you are still seeking that perfect place in the country, look for parcels that have the ability to be irrigated. Your grazing options are much larger with irrigation.

Keep in mind that Montana is nearly a high desert and the native plants need protection from too many grazing animals too often.

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 12/22/08