Backcopies
The Green Horse section provides practical information on managing environmentally sustainable horse properties, readers stories and tips, as well as advice and articles from equestrian experts in their fields.
To order, take note of the issue and volume number required and click on the Buy this issue.
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August Sept 2024 Vol 46 No2
SHORT VERSUS LONG GRASS
by Erika Gough
Understanding the effects of grazing on short grass versus longer grass is crucial for any horse owner, but particularly for those who have horses with endocrine issues or a history of laminitis (usually caused by endocrine issues).
Protect Your Chooks From Bird Flu.
Australia’s largest outbreak of avian influenza resulting in the culling of nearly two million chickens this year in NSW, Victoria and the ACT. While those with a few chickens on the property might be reassured about their own supply of eggs and the health of their chooks it’s important to be be aware of the current bird flu outbreak and to take steps to reduce the risk as backyard chickens have been
affected by this highly infectious virus. Green Spaces
Lowering Obesity Related Cancer
A University of Queensland-led study has found a link between exposure to gardens and green spaces and a lower risk of being diagnosed with obesity-related cancer.
ROUNDUP CASE DISMISSED
A landmark class action lawsuit alleging the weed killer Roundup caused cancer has been thrown out of Australia’s Federal Court.
Retaining Rainfall and Controlling Run Off by Wendy Elks
In Australia water is a precious commodity and every property owner can make changes to ensure that what rain falls on their ground, stays there.
SPRING IS HERE
by Country Park Herbs
This time of the year is when your horse's body will be waking up after the sluggishness of winter. it is the perfect time to rejuvenate, clean out and establish new habits |
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June July 2024 Vol 46 No1
DROUGHT, FLOOD AND MUD
Australia has it all. Paddocksthat are looking parched mere months ago didn't take long t become wet and soggy, and those that had barely time to recover from floods and above average rainfall soon had muddy, boggy areas return.
EQUINE LANDCARE GROUPS
For horse owner, joinging an Equestrian Landcare group offers not only an opportunity to contribute to enviramental conservation but also to enhance their own land's utility and ensure the well-being of their horses.
SMALL BLOCKS BIG DREAMS
by Karen O'Keefe
An example of how sme small landcaregroups also deliver Equine Landcare related activities.
PRUDENT PRUNING
For equestrian property owners, the management of trees around stables and other infrastructure is not just about aesthetics; it’s about safety, health, and maintaining functional spaces. Properly trimming trees can prevent accidents, improve accessibility, and even enhance the health of the horses and people who use these areas. |
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FEBRUARY MARCH 2024 Vol 45 No5
IS YOUR PROPERTY PREPARED?
by Rhiannon Brown
Australia has always had a reputation for burning. Our native bush is built to burn and because of our love of the land, we often build our homes right on the doorstep of Mother Nature’s very own ‘Redhead’ matches.
The recent bushfires and floods across Australia should be a much needed reminder to all of us who are landholders and put us all on notice that the rural lifestyle we so enjoy requires diligence on our behalf in relation to care of the land and awareness of preparedness for fire, drought and floods.
To often, fires are thrown into the ‘it won’t happen to me basket’ until it’s all too late. This has been a hot topic in many states with bush fires this season taking people’s homes.
CAN A SOIL TEST TELL YOU WHAT IS IN YOUR PASTURE?
by Nerida Richards - Feed XL
A definite recommendation for horse owners is to have their pasture and hay tested so they get a much more accurate idea of what their horses are eating.
STOP THE ROT
by Bounceback Horse Fencing
Timber posts tend to rot at the base. It is a normal process in the breakdown of the wood, but it can be postponed, giving a longer life to the fence post.
DUNG BEETLES TO THE RESCUE
by Wendy Elks
Nature is constantly proving it knows best, and regenerative farmers are tackling the problem of oxygen-starved and depleted flood affected land with the help of a humble yet powerful ally: the dung beetle.
ROSEHIPS- THE HERB WITH A POWERFUL PUNCH
by Catherine Bird
The hips (fruit) of the dog rose are source of readily assimilated forms of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, including - vitamins C, A,B1, B2,B3, and K, bioflavonoids (including rutin), carptenoids, tannins, calcium, magnesium. silica, phosphorous,and coppeR. |
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DECEMBER/JANUARY magazine 2023/24 Vol 45 No4
WOMEN ON THE TRACTOR
by Wendy Elks
Female farmers around the country use tractors every day as part of their work, but horse owners often enter land ownership without having any farming background or property experience at all
FARM GATES AND HORSES - Quick fix-fence bolt protection
by Liz Tollarzo
Many of us have either hung our own property gates or perhaps paid people to do this job for us. The long bolts, if left, are one aspect of hanging a gate that is often overlooked and yet it presents a potential danger to our horses
BIOCONTROL
A priority list of weed candidates is being drawn up as possible future areas for biocontrol.
Renewed focus on weed biocontrol through a collaborative initiative is set to deliver benefits to land managers and the environment in the fight against weeds.
We look at an example of very successful biocontrol with the introduction of the Cactoblastis cactorum moth from Argentina in 1926 and the the destruction of the Prickly Pear.
FLIES AND THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN WAVE
by Rhiannon Brown
Flies are one of the most annoying pests in Australia. They annoy not only us, but our pets and livestock. They can carry pathogens on their legs and mouths when feeding on rubbish, faeces and other decaying materials. Not to mention they are prolific breeders. So how do we keep them away?
THE HEAT IS ON...herbs to keep your horse in the competition
by Catherine Bird
You control all aspects of your horse's performance but when it comes to those hot summer days, your best mate needs extra help. |
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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER magazine 2023 Vol 45 No2
In this issue of The Green Horse you will find the following articles
UNDERSTANDING AND CONTROLLING WEEDS
Horse owners take on many responsibilities to ensure the health and wellbeing of their horses, and caring for your equestrian property is as important as caring for the horses and increases the list of day-to-day, and longer term tasks considerably.
GREEN HORSE NEWS
HORSE SHELTER DESIGN
Jenny Robinson from Meadows in South Australia explaines how she had designed her horse shelters.
PASTURE MANAGEMENT The 5:15cm rule
by Teele Worrell
Understand the best times to have horses on pasture and when to remove them can be a delicate balance .Instead of allowing the pasture to get long before letting the horses in you should aim for when the grass is around 15cm high and then remove the horses when the most heavily grazed areas are 5cm high.
CREATING AND USING THE SACRIFICE PADDOCK
Setting an area aside as a ‘sacrificial’ area or paddock is considered by many horse owners to be an invaluable component of their property’s set up and design.
INSULIN RESISTANCE AND METABOLIC DISORDERS
by Angela Davison The Horse Herbalist
I s there a greater prevalence of insulin resistance and metabolic disorders now occurring in the horse population and, if so, is this related to the feeding and lifestyle choices owners make for their horses and ponies?
LAMINITIS - soothe and nuture witH herbs
by Country Park Herbs |
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June/July magazine 2023 Vol 45 No1
In this issue of The Green Horse you will find the following articles
CREATING A WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN -YOUR PROPERTY- YOUR WEEDS
by Rhiannon Brown – Envirapest
Making a weed management plan doesn’t have to be like studying for that master’s degree or passing your driving test for the first time either.
WORKING WITH THE SEASONS
by Belinda Taylor
Managing pasture to maintain healthy ground cover.
HORSES ARE HERBIVORS, AREN'T THEY?
by Angela Davidson- The Horse Herbalist
So, if horses are ‘designed by nature’to be herbivors then should we be asking the question of why we are feeding products and supplements that go against the ‘Law of Nature’?
HERBS TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES
by Country Park Herbs
What winter care and precautions may be needed to keep your horse healthy throughout the winter. |
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April May magazine 2023 Vol 44 No6
AUTUMN ON THE PROPERTY - chores to prepare for winter.
by Rhiannon Brown – Envirapest
The cooler conditions are the
ideal prompt to start considering what should be done on the property before the arrival of
colder, wet days of winter, which means the spring weed season is not far away.
BUILDING THE DREAM PASTURE
by Teele Worrell
By starting the property
management journey with
property planning, weed control
and getting to know your soil, a landholder is perfectly placed to establish a diverse and productive pasture.
SIMPLE FEED BUDGET
by Belinda Taylor
Although most horse owners are nervous at the prospect of creating a budget, a few quick
calculations can give you the power to compare prices and alternatives that can reduce your horses’ feed
costs, without impacting on their health and wellbeing.
SO YOU WANT TO USE HERBS?
by Country Park Herbs
Using herbs with horses is not a new therapy. Traditionally many cultures have used herbs to keep their horses healthier and happier. |
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February March magazine 2023 Vol 44 No5
BEATING THE BLACKBURY
by Rhiannon Brown – Envirapest
Loved by some for the fruit, slashed by others to protect pasture and bushland, the blackberry is a Weed of National Significance.
DEVELOPING YOUR OWN EQUINE TRACK SYSTEM
by Deidre Rennick
Before making any alterations to existing fencing on your property - or laying a new track - it is important to be very clear about what you want to achieve with your track and what your starting infrastructure will support.
EQUINE TRADES- The government will pay you to study.
SOIL - How well do you know your soil?-
by Teele Worrell
Healthy soil supports the right micro-organisms to enable the growth of healthy grass, which helps develop healthy horses that will get the right amount of minerals, protein, sugar and starch from their pasture.
ARE FLIES MAKING YOUR HORSE MISERABLE?
by Country Park Herbs
While horses may not be free of flies this summer, healthy horses are less appealing to them. If the hrose is not in optimum health it can give of detectable odours that attract those flies.
CROFTON WEED KILLS HORSES
by Angela Davison
If you have this weed on your property then it is best to not have any horses in the paddock until such time as you can eradicate it.
The ELECTRIC CAR for towing
with Francine Allen
It’s not been an easy journey but horse enthusiast Francine Allen is out to show that towing a horse float with an electric vehicle is possible in certain circumstances. |
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August/September magazine 2022 Vol 44 No2
EXOTIC EXCAPEES by Rhiannon Brown – Envirapest
Plants That Leave Your Garden and Become Pasture Weedsby Rhiannon Brown – Envirapest
HEALTHY PASTURES FOR HORSES
by Sophie Fletcher
It’s time for many horse owners to start thinking about pastures – whether that is getting started for the growing season, or fretting about sugar levels and laminitis!
Solar Lights on the Equine Property by Celine Bønnelykke
SOIL FACTS The secret life of soil microbes by Belinda Taylor
“Soil is the most important and essential ecosystem, linked to every function on the planet.” Nicole Masters, Soil Ecologist, Integrity Soils
THE IMPORTANCE OF GROUND COVERS by Belinda Taylor
One of the most common issues seen on horse properties is overgrazed paddocks. Bare paddocks are a disaster for soil health and good property management. |
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JUNE/JULY magazine 2022 Vol 44 No1
WHAT'S EATING MY GRASS
by Rhiannon Brown - Envirapest
Does your horse get to graze the lush, green grass on your property ... or are you feeding the local bug population ?
WHEN YOU DRINK WHAT YOU CATCH
Cleaning the water tank
by Liz Tollarzo
If rainwater is the main source of water for you and your horses then maintaining the integrity of that water becomes a priority.
RABBIT CONTROL
Rabbits are an ongoing problem for most rural areas, causing significant environmental and agricultural damage but the floods that have affected Queensland and NSW have actually helped reduce the population by flooding burrows in those areas.
WINTER BLEND OF HERBS
by Country Park Herbs
A blend of herbs to warm the horse’s body from the inside. |
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APRIL MAY magazine 2022 Vol 43 No6
Japanese Encephalitis and Horse
JEV is a mosquito-borne viral disease that occurs in pigs and horses, and can cause death in people.
Cease To Pump Rules Affecting Property Owners
Farmers and horse studs in the Hunter River Basin, NSW are facing new rules around when they can pump from the Hunter River.
Stages of Grass Growth
by Sophie Fletcher
An ideal horse grazing system attempts to mimic a natural grazing system where animals live in a large herd, grazing, trampling and manuring in a small area before moving on, not returning to the same area for some time.
Making The Most OF of Mosquito Control
by Rhiannon Brown - Envirapest
Climate change that has brought high temperatures, more rain and increases in humidity will provide ideal breeding grounds for the many species of mosquitoes, including those that spread the Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV).
Why that Round Yard
by Liz Tollarzo
When constructing your property and working out what facilities may be needed for training and keeping horses, one feature many consider essential is a ‘round yard’.
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DEC/JAN magazine 2021/22 Vol 43 No4
Controlling Cotton Bush
by Rhiannon Brown - Envirapest
Toxic to horses and other livestock, this weed can invade paddocks and form thickets.
Are you prepared for the bushfire season?
If it’s not already happened, or it needs redoing, the time to get physical around the property is now. Consider your options if a fire threatens, and if you have the equipment with which to protect your property.
When hormones make the rules.
by Country Park Herbs
Controlling hormones with herbs has to be balanced with regulations for performance events, and with this berry being declared a controlling medication in competition, it must be cleared from the horse's system prior to competing.
Turmeric and gastric ulcers
by Sophie Fletcher
Turmeric has become a popular supplement in horse diets for a variety of ailments, ranging from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis through to cancers and sarcoids. Now research shows it can affect the outcome for gastric ulcers.
Growing your own turmeric.
An easy D.I.Y project for producing your own turmeric.
Fencing Foes and Woes - common fencing accidents.
by Liz Tollarzo
Fencing's main purpose is to keep your horse secure in its paddock but many accidents are from a horse's 'fight' with a fence. Kiz looks at someof the commonfencing accidents and offers some options for different fecning.
YOUR PLACE - Improvements for sustainability.
by Sophie Fletcher
You can follow the steps that this NSW couple achieved as they progress along their sustainability journey for their equine property. |
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FEBRUARY/MARCH magazine 2021 Vol 42 No5
QUAD BIKE REGULATION
The Federal Government is making moves to increase the safety of the use of Quad bikes on farms and equestrian properties.
KNOW YOUR PESTS- TERMITES.
Last issue we discussed some of the signs indicating you might have termites, as well as some of the areas on your property where you
might find them. Finding you have termites is one thing, but what do you do once you find them?
by Rhiannon Brown - Envirapest
STABLE DANGERS by Liz Tollarzo
Being aware of potential dangers in the stable - and addressing these - may help aleiviate injury.
ARENA MAINTENANCE -FOR ALL SEASON USE
by Wendy Elks
When the dream of having your own arena is realised, it doesn't mean that the work is over.
TREES ON THE PROPERTY
Shade, shelter, wind and soil erosion.
For those with horses, trees offer shelter, shade and increase the aesthetics of your property.
by Celine Boennelykke
HERBS TO MOTIVATE YOUR HORSE
When we are frustrated with trainng and riding, there may be a reason the horse is unwilling to co-operate or to share the same ambition for a transition you desire.
by Catherine Bird for Country Park Herbs |
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DECEMBER/JANUARY magazine 2020/21 Vol 42 No4
KNOW YOUR PESTS- TERMITES.
protect your home and property by easily recognising termite signs.
by Rhiannon Brown - Envirapest
GATES THE HIDDEN DANGERS IN YOUR PADDOCKS by Liz Tollarzo
There is a need to know what gates are safest for your horse, and the various aspects of any dangers they may create for your horses.
RECYCLED MATERIALS FOR YOU AND YOUR HORSE
by Celine Bønnelykke
There are now solutions to help fight waste pollution through careful selection of competition or casual wear, horse gear and when purchasing your next horse rug.
THE KILL PILL
Eradicating invasive trees.
BEFORE YOU SHOO THAT FLY
Why are our horses plagued by flies.
by Country Park Herbs
HORSES AND HONEY BEES -
Can they share space on the property?
by Wendy Elks |
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AUGUST SEPTEMBER magazine 2020 Vol 42 No2
PIRATES IN THE PADDOCK
by Rhiannon Brown - Envirapest
Regrettably, weeds are one of those aspect of life that rarely seems to change. The weed population has reliably continued to ‘pop up’ in paddocks all around the country, despite the pandemic that is holding the world to ransome.
THE HIDDEN DANGERS ON THE PADDOCK by Elizabeth Tollarzo
Horses love to run, play, buck and then run again and we often, through lack of risk assessment or management practices, place them in areas that are fraught with dangers.
DEEDS,STEEDS and WEEDS
WAR ON FIRE ANTS and PRICKLY SITUATIONS SORTED ( Prickly pear and horses).
GOING SOLAR ON THE HORSE PROPERTY
Maintenance and Repairs
Part 3
Following on from the last three articles in this series, the next step looks at costs, finding a supplier, maintenance required throughout the life-cycle of the solar panels, and available feed-in-tariffs.
HORSES AS ECOSYSTEM ENGINEERS
by Kit Prendergast
Certain animals perform ‘engineering’ roles. Such animals are known as ‘ecosystem engineers’, as through their activities they can physically modify a habitat in which they live or frequent, by creating, maintaining, modifying, or even destroying it.
GROWING HERBS FOR YOUR HORSE
by Wendy Elks
Herbs, some of which are well-known to horse owners who like to use natural remedies, are easy to grow.
NOW IS THE TIME TO CHECK YOUR IRRIGATION SYSTEM
by David Ferris, WA Reticulation Supplies
Spring is a favourite time of year for many and while it’s an ideal time for a spring clean around the house and stables, on a property it’s also the ideal time to check your reticulation system thoroughly as it’s had a few months off sitting idle over winter. |
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June July DIGITAL magazine 2020 Vol 42No 1
DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE JUNE JULY DIGITAL MAGAZINE FREE
GREEN WEED CONTROLr by Rhiannon Brown - Envirapest
People are looking for alternatives to glyphosate for total weed control. Glyphosate is one of the most widely used chemicals in relation to weed control worldwide, so what options are there?
BACK TO THE SIMPLE LIFE
For horse owners, growing their own veggies is a two-fold exercise as super-fresh organic produce could supplement both their own and their horse’s diet in the months ahead..
HELP NATURE PREVENT FLOODING
Many countries, including Australia, carry out practices such as the moulding of ancient landscapes and changing the course of rivers in order to suit food production and provide water to towns and cities.
While this can seem to work well for much of the time, altering the landscape and practices such as clearing, ploughing and overgrazing in water catchment areas can cause catastrophic flooding downstream, such as has occurred in Brisbane in the past.
GOING SOLAR ON THE HORSE PROPERTY Part 3
Where to put your panels
There are many options available for going solar but finding out just which one will best suit you and your property can be daunting for those with time constraints and no background in solar energy. |
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February March 2020 Vol 41 No5
Ants Away by Mark Brown Envirapest
So, what can you do to deter ants from your house and your stables??
Recovery after the fire by Wendy Elks
Eventually the rains come, and the land will begin the road to recovery. Dryness and the volatile oils present in eucalypts and other species make fire part of Australia’s landscape; in many cases, it’s part of the renewal process.
Deeds Steeds and Weeds
Calculating the number of wildlife destroyed by the fires.
Water for wildlife ... without the mosquitos.
MY PLACE with Melissa French in Lovely Banks, a suburb of
Geelong, Victoria.
Urban dwellers make up a large percentage of horse owners, and fortunately, due to our nation’s affluence and wealth of space, many fringe-dwelling urban horse lovers are lucky enough to own a few acres, enabling them to keep their horse at home instead of at an agistment centre.
Land Management and Regenerative Farming
- including steps to make a difference
What is regenerative farming?
The principle of regenerative agriculture and regenerative pastoralism is to enhance natural ecosystem services, resulting in sustainable production, an improved natural resource base, healthy nutrient cycling, increased biodiversity and resilience to change.
Going Solar on the Horse Property
You want to install solar for your property, so what do you need to know before investing in a new system?
Dr Anne Rainbow takes us step-by-step through an understanding of solar basics in this, the first in a series on the topic.
Consider composting for deceased horses
It’s a touchy subject but an important one: what does one do with the body when a horse dies? |
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February/March 2019 Vol 40 No5
STABLE VISITORS by Mark Brown ENVIRAPEST
Spiders may be great insect and fly catchers but do we really want them lurking in our stables, in our horse rugs, feedbins and boots?
RESTORE NATURAL BALANCE TO YOUR PASTURE - by Wendy Elks
Using ‘super’ is addictive, as it succeeds so brilliantly and consistently, yet what’s less-well-known is that the concentrated chemicals kill off multitudes of microscopic organisms in the soil, along with earthworms, nematodes and beetles. Without re-applying super, thereafter, the soil is even less effective than it was before, because nature’s inbuilt soil-enriching factory (the microbes, fungi and earthworms) have been destroyed.
YOUR PLACE …Renovating An Existing Stable by Felicity Wischer
When Felicity Wischer and family moved to a new property on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, there were lots of great facilities already on the property, but there were also areas that needed a make-over in order for the property to be tailored to fit the horses they owned.
SOFT MANURE IN HORSES ON FRESH LUCERNE HAY.
by Dr Nerida Richards - Feed XL
These days horse owners are not always able to pick-and-choose the hay they get, so how do you deal with associated problems some hay may cause?
TREATING SAND ACCUMULATION
A recent study found that a combination of psyllium and magnesium sulphate was effective at clearing accumulations of sand in the horse’s large colon. |
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June July 2018 Vol 40 No 1
TALKING POINT
Recycling project.Information Exchange -
KEEP YOUR HAY DRY THIS WINTER
MAP YOUR WEEDS by Mark Brown
Take it one step at a time - make a mud map of the weeds on your property and then identifying which ones you will target this year.
THE EVERGREEN DREAM by Jenna Arnett
Sprinkler systems for your horse pastures can make a huge difference, not only to the aesthetics of your property and its micro-climate but also in reducing the costs associated with feeding the horses.
TREE MAINTENANCE by Rebecca Cassells
Most properties have trees, and when these are around buildings, stables, yards, driveways etc., routine tree maintenance may be required to help prevent potential accidents.
PUMPKIN – yes, your horse can eat it by Wendy Elks
Pumpkin is fed as a snack and feed additive by some, but it may not live up to claimed health benefits, and it is not suitable for all equines.
BUYER BEWARE by Chris Ferreira
Finding the ideal property for your equestrian dream can be a daunting task but for those wanting to make sure they tick all the boxes, Chris Ferreira has devoted the first couple of chapters in his newly-released book, A Place in the Country, to this topic. This extract offers points to consider once you find what you think is your ideal property.
Deeds, steeds and weeds
At Last - Biological Worm Control and Online Horse Emergency Course. |
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Oct/Nov 2016 Vol 38 No 3
In this issue of The Green Horse you will find the following articles:
Information Exchange -- Road bumps and coordinator wanted.
Snake Training for dogs
Hot Topics in Feed Production by Andrea Carmody
Natural Mosquito control 40 by Wendy Elk |
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