In order to grow, weeds need to gain a foothold. While it can be harder for them to do so in thick, lush pastures, a variety of weeds can get established easily in an overgrazed field or drylot. The problem of weeds congregating in grass-deficient pastures, frequently caused by keeping too many horses on too little land, is one that’s taken root across America, and it’s growing all the time.

Pursuing Greener Pastures

According to William W. Witt, PhD, a researcher in Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Kentucky, overgrazing is a national crisis, often linked to increased urbanization and equestrian land loss, and it’s a main reason for weed growth. "Many of our pastures or paddocks are overgrazed," says Witt. "It’s an issue literally across the board; everywhere I’ve driven over the past few years, overgrazing is the No. 1 problem."

Overgrazing and poor pasture condition can result from a number of multifaceted situations, according to the Oregon State University Extension Service’s Managing Small Acreage Horse Farms report. Authors state that it’s crucial to examine and manage the relationships between horses, grass, soil, manure, and water on any property because they’re all interconnected. For property owners failing to manage those relationships suitably, poor pasture health and weeds can result