The Acreage Needed for Horses

A horse will consume approximately 20 lbs. per day of pasture, grain and hay. One to 2 acres of pastureland per horse will help satisfy a horse's daily pasture needs. When some types of acreage, such as rocky or arid areas, do not provide adequate or satisfactory quality pasture grass, a horse requires additional, supplemental feed. When acreage in poor condition is only suitable as an exercise or lounging area for the animal, acreage size becomes irrelevant.

  1. Acreage For Fresh Air

    • A single horse needs the freedom afforded by as little 1/10 acre of land. Many horses that receive barn care most of the day benefit from a small bit of land where they can get fresh air. Horses with access to limited acreage should be ridden more often for their overall health. Frequent daily exercise outside the pasture limits damage to the soil and grass. Horses that do not get enough physical stimulation often resort to running, kicking and bucking.

    Small Acreage Considerations

    • A horse will graze on pasture grass down to the soil's surface. Inadequate acreage can result in dead turf and weed growth or it can turn to mud. Mud and excessive manure create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungal infections that quickly make a horse sick. A horse kept too close to its own excrement, in a small area that turns to mud, also will suffer more frequent intestinal parasites. Insects also breed in moist manure. Acreage that begins to show signs of damage from overgrazing requires time to recover.

    Irrigated Acreage

    • A dry land pasture produces less viable pasture grass than acreage that is irrigated. A horse can subsist on an irrigated, well-cared-for pasture of only 1 acre if it is regularly fertilized and nutritional forage grass varieties dominate over weeds. An irrigated acre can provide 3 to 5 tons of pasture grass per year. In regions with snow and inclement weather, a horse requires more food when the grass goes dormant. Supplemental feeding makes a horse less likely to overgraze the dormant grass.

    Acreage Location

    • Acreage in low-lying areas can be susceptible to flooding. A horse owner may have to install a drain system to divert water away from the pasture. A graded channel can also divert water. Owners should avoid removing native trees or shrubs that absorb water and prevent flooding in pastureland. Trees also provide sun and wind protection for horses.