Whether you choose to use fences or hedgerows to encompass your land, they will serve the primary function of keeping your animals within the paddock. As such they should normally be at least 5 foot in height. The fence or hedge must also be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of your horse. Thus it is necessary to consider the breed, weight, size, agility and even age of your horse when choosing a fitting fence or hedge for your paddock.

Once you have selected a suitable fence or hedge fo your paddock you will need to consider the grazing requirements of your animals. What are you trying to feed? Horses may need a different quality mix to ponies and they would definitely need a different quality to sheep or even cattle. Reseeding or natural regeneration would be the first hurdle to climb. Manual clearance or machinery led destruction, personal intervention or expensive contractors? Soil analysis will establish the basic needs and hopefully just what level of intervention is required. Often getting it right from the start pays dividends in the long run and can minimize many fruitless hours hacking away at stubborn re-growth.

Having established your carefully and probably expensive paddock pasture constant management is required. If you are not regularly grazing the pasture it is likely you will need to use topping as a measure of weed control and growth management. Many, or even all, of the necessary benefits which require fertilizers can be accomplished via rolling, aerating and harrowing your land.

Of course trees and hedges will greatly enhance the wildlife and conservation levels of your land. Trees can be expensive at the offset and can also require a great deal of maintaining, depending on the species. The enjoyment of choosing species and the potential they will afford your land is inspirational and careful advice is well worth considering. A pleasing physical appearance or wildlife regeneration may be your aim - perhaps government grants will tip your choice and are available to help with many aspects of the countryside's regeneration.

Regardless of he size of you paddock, it is important to approach the management of the land responsibly.

About the Author:
Steve Phillips lives in rural England and understands the need for good paddock maintenance for the good of livetsock. He often turns to GreenPaddocks for advice. A planned approach all year round is sensible, which includes routine paddock topping.