Heavy rains throughout April and early May have caused excessive runoff and erosion of fields and paths. Ponding water, heavy runoff, and saturated fields can reveal how water flows on a particular piece of land–valuable information that illustrates how water systems and drainage actually work, field-by-field. This evidence can help owners take the necessary steps after heavy rains to prevent further soil loss, erosion, forage loss, pasture damage, and waterway contamination.

"While the ground is wet, take a hard look at feeding sites, gate openings, and other heavy use areas, fence rows, compost piles, and waste disposal/dispersal to ensure that best management practices are working on your farm," said Stephen Higgins, PhD, director of environmental compliance for the Agricultural Experiment Station, Bioenvironmental Engineering, at the University of Kentucky (UK).

To strengthen a farm’s environmental systems, Higgins says horse farm managers should consider the following:

Water Quality Plan This plan is a tool used by farm owners to identify and implement best management practices on their land. "Any farm of 10 acres or more needs a Kentucky ag water quality plan, because it became law in 1994," said Amanda Abnee Gumbert, extension water quality liaison, UK Cooperative Extension Service. "Answering simple yes and no questions will generate a list of best management practices to follow to protect water quality. A self-certification sheet should be kept on file at the local conservation district office as proof that a plan exists. Farmers do not need to turn in their plans, but should keep them as working documents