About the event

Do you own or manage land for horses? Join us for a free webinar series, and learn how you can achieve the best outcomes for both your horse and the environment.

Our speaker is Elizabeth Ranelagh, who bred horses for many years, has a PhD in grassland ecology, and wrote the highly respected Managing Grass for Horses: The Responsible Owner’s Guide. She currently runs a 50-acre livestock and organic arable farm, and works as a Farm Environment Adviser. She is a Chartered Environmentalist and a member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

Monday 20th January, 7 - 8.30pm - Hedgerow Management

Learn about the different aspects of hedgerow management, including: why hedgerows are good for horses; the life cycle of a hedge; planting new hedges; choice of hedgerow plants; hedgelaying; trimming; assessing the condition of your hedges.

Monday 27th January, 7 - 8.30pm - Manure Management

Learn about the practical aspects of manure management (with a focus on manure in paddocks) to ensure the welfare of both your horse and the environment, as well as compliance with relevant legislation. Topics will include: whether to poo pick or not; manure storage; manure spreading; parasite risk and mitigation.

Monday 3rd February, 7 - 8.30pm - Pasture Management

Learn about the practical management of equine pasture, including: how grasslands work; why understanding your pasture is important for your horse’s welfare; how to choose the best seed mix for your horse and your pasture; ongoing management; how to repair damaged pasture; how to encourage biodiversity.

Monday 10th February, 7 - 8.30pm - Yard and Water Management

Learn about water management; yard water efficiency; manure storage in the yard (including pollution risks and how to mitigate them); how to choose the right bedding choices and management for your horse and situation.

For this webinar, Elizabeth will be joined by Jonathan Newman, a Senior Adviser with Catchment Sensitive Farming. Elizabeth and Jonathan will conclude the webinar with a panel discussion on your questions about the topics covered in this webinar series.

These events are part of Watercress and Winterbournes, a Landscape Partnership Scheme that is protecting, enhancing, and celebrating seven local chalk streams.