Happy Earth Day! 7 Simple Tips to Reduce Your Environmental Hoofprint
By: Brittany Bevis
Today, April 22nd, is Earth Day!
The amount of open land available on the planet is finite. While we humans are great at expansion and construction, we’re not so skilled at conservation.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 6,000 acres of open land are lost every day, and that’s not just pasture land for grazing. That also includes the loss of boarding and training facilities, competition venues, breeding farms, trails, and hay fields.
This loss of land is a serious threat to those who enjoy equestrian activities across the United States. Groups like the Equine Land Conservation Resource were formed to address this threat and help preserve land for generations to come.
How can you help? Are you paying attention to things like how many horses you should house per acre and how to properly maintain pastures with fertilization and controlled grazing? Here are a few simple tips for reducing your environmental hoofprint.
- Instead of buying new fly spray bottles every time you run out, purchase a multi-gallon size to refill the same bottle, time after time.
- Consider partnering with a local nursery or farm to donate horse manure. Easy pickup and free disposal is a win-win situation for everyone!
- Rotate horses onto different pastures to let grass regrow.
- When washing your horse, attach a sprayer to the hose instead of letting the water run.
- Take advantage of horse shows that offer online entry and pattern books to cut down on paper waste.
- Try using organic or natural pesticides and grooming supplies
- Turn off the arena and tack room lights when you leave for the day
If you’d like more information about how to preserve the Earth for our equine friends (and us humans) check out the links below.
Earth Day links:
Five Ways to Reduce Your Farm’s Environmental Hoofprint
Eight Steps for Effective Pasture Management
Conserving Horse Lands to Sustain Your Community and Economy
“A horse loves freedom, and the weariest old work horse will roll on the ground or break into a lumbering gallop when he is turned loose into the open.” -Gerald Raferty
