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.

In this issue of The Green Horse you will find the following articles

A PROBLEM OF PLAGUE PROPORTION - LOCUSTS
Central and western Queensland regions that escaped recent flooding are facing a new challenge as millions of migratory locusts descend upon their properties, destroying thousands of hectares of pasture.

D.I.Y. DRAINAGE- SPOON DRAINS
One effective solution to manage increased rainfall, to prevent waterlogging, erosion and muddy paddocks is the construction of simple spoon drains — shallow, curved channels designed to divert surface water away from high-traffic areas, stables, and pastures.

THE GATE - more than just an opening in your fenceline.
Adding a gate to your horse fence might seem like a straightforward job, but choosing the right gate, placing it in the best location, and installing it properly can make all the difference to the functionality, safety, and longevity of your setup. Whether you’re opening up access for feeding, turnout, machinery or fire safety, this is one job worth doing with care.

MOLASSES - A NATURAL BOOSTER FOR SOIL HEALTH
by Rebecca Cassells
Soil inoculants are beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, that are introduced into the soil to improve its quality.

FROST-CURED GRASS
A hidden fire risk in Australia
While frost is often associated with frosty mornings and picturesque landscapes, frost-cured grass—grass that has been damaged or dried by a hard frost—can pose a significant fire risk that should not be underestimated.

WHO WOULD YOU CALL?
State of Emergency Seervices in Australia
by Rebecca Cassells with David King.
In the face of increasing natural disasters such as bushfires, floods, and storms, the protection of human life is always the top priority. However, over the years emergency management legislation has evolved to include a growing concern for the welfare of animals during these events.

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APRIL/MAY 25
NOT SO GOLDEN -
TOXIC TO HORSES
Golden Crownbeard

A herbaceous perennial, Golden Crownbeard thrives in disturbed areas, such as pastures, roadsides, and along fence lines. While it may appear harmless, the plant contains toxins that can cause severe health issues for livestock, particularly horses.

February March 25
ESTABLISHING AN EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

Star pickets are a staple of rural fencing in Australia. They provide a strong, versatile, and relatively easy-to-install option for securing horse paddocks, temporary fencing, or reinforcing existing fence lines. However it’s worth weighing the pros and cons of using star pickets and exploring the best ways to install, remove, or even recycle them

December/January 24/25
ESTABLISHING AN EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

Setting up a riding centre is a bit different to establishing a property for your own horses. So when Toni Gough from Victoria was relocating her business Shepparton Equestrian Centre careful consideration was given to the placement of new facilities to meet the needs of both horses and clients.

October/November 24
REPAIR THAT BROKEN FENCE
by Gary Simons
If you’re managing a horse property, one thing you’ll quickly come to terms with is that horses are hard on fences. Whether it’s a cheeky young gelding testing boundaries or a storm-felled tree, repairs are an inevitable part of owning equine property. Luckily, with a little knowledge and some essential tools, mending a broken fence can be a straightforward task.

August/September 24
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).

June July 24
SMALL BLOCKS BIG DREAMS
by Karen O'Keefe
An example of how sme small landcaregroups also deliver Equine Landcare related activities.

April/May 24
STOP THE ROT IN YOUR FENCE POSTS
by BOUNCE BACK HORSE FENCE
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.

February March 24
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.

August September 23
CREATING AND USING THE SACRIFICE PADDOCK
Functional areas that are safe and useable are essential, with an area set aside as a ‘sacrificial’ area or paddock considered by many horse owners to be an invaluable component of their property’s set up and design.

June July 23
CREATING A WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN - your property your weeds.
by Rhiannon Brown, Envirapest
Keep it Simple as 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.

Apriil/May 23
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.

February/March 23
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.

December/January 22 23 PROPERTY PLANNING
-Working with your property- not against it.
by Teele Worrell
Property planning is about
using your property effectively
and efficiently and sometimes
starting with a clean slate.

October/November 22
WHAT IS EQUESTRIAN LANDCARE
by Teele Worrell
Part 1 In a series in which Teele will explore what equine landcare is, and why it benefits equine landholders

August/September 22
THE IMPORTANCE OF GROUND COVER
by Belinda Taylor
Ground cover, whether it be dead grass, weeds, hay, or mulch is the insulating layer that protects your soil from the extremes of temperature and erosion.

June/July 22
SOLAR FOR YOUR ARENA
Environmentally-friendly solar lighting for your arena will allow you to use your arena for longer, and as energy from the sun is free it is therefore an ideal long-term solution for powering lights. Jeff Florence from Blackfrog Solar, Queensland suggsted some solar tips.

April/May 22
MAKING THE MOST 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).February/March 2022

February/March 22
SUSTAINABLE DEWORMING
by Sophie Fletcher
There has been a relatively big shift in deworming treatment strategies in recent years, due to increasing levels of worm resistance to the chemicals we have been using for decades to control them, resulting in a lot of confusion among horse owners.

December/January 21/22
ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE FIRE SEASON
In the many areas where horse owners live this season's fire preparation should be well underway; if you’ve not already started preparing your property for summer then now is the time to do so.

October/November21
SNAKE UNIVERSAL ANTIVENOM
The good news is that there is no longer any need for a snake to be identified to administer antivenom. A universal antivenom is now used that covers the five genus of snake that will cause serious harm or death.

August/September 21
BEAT THE BINDI
by Rhiannon Brown - Envirapest
The prickly weeds that grow on our properties across Australia usually have long classical Latin names, are often known by a variety of common names in different localities but are regularly called very rude names when we happen to stand on one (or a dozen) or when they find our hands as we are dislodging tangles in the horse’s mane or tail.

June July 21
BARN OWLS by Wendy Elks
A silent partner in rodent control.
Non-toxic pest management is the most humane and ecologically sustainable way of bringing nature back into some kind of balance during non-plague times.

April/May 21
LOVELY LAWNS
by Rhiannon Brown - Envirapest
On a horse property there always seems to be hectares of grass, but we all have that little bit of lawn we want to look luscious all year round.
It could be the entrance to the stables, laneways bordering the driveway, that little ‘special’ snack paddock or you could even dream of a beautiful green arena. So, how do we achieve this?

Feb/March 21
STABLE DANGERS
by Elizabeth Tollarzo
They say that horses are accidents-waiting-to-happen as they are inclined to find every conceivable way to injur themselves, usually just before a competition. Being aware of potential dangers in the stable - and addressing these - may help aleiviate injury.

Dec/Jan 20/21
HORSES AND HONEY BEES-
Can they share space on the property?
by Wendy Elks

Oct/Nov 20
SOLAR-POWERED PRODUCTS
by Celine Bønnelykke
In previous issues we have discussed the economics of setting up a solar-driven property, but if finances don’t stretch to installation of the whole package, there are ways to ease into the solar-world.

Aug/Sept 20 THE HIDDEN DANGERS IN OUR 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.

JUNE JULY 20 GOING SOLAR ON THE HORSE PROPERTY Where to put your panels Part 2
Once you have selected what solar system best suits your needs, then you need to look at how you can maximise the advantages.

APRIL MAY 20 GOING SOLAR ON THE HORSE PROPERTY Part 2
Once you have selected what solar system best suits your needs, then you need to look at how you can maximise the advantages.

FEB/MARCH 20 ANTS AWAY
by Mark Brown Envirapest
So, what can you do to deter ants from your house and your stables??

DJ19/20 KEEPING SNAKES OUT OF THE STABLE by Wendy Elks
Snakes may be protected under Wildlife regulations in Australia, and they may be great for keeping the mice and rats down, but do we want to find them in our stables near our horses and pets?

ON19 - TERMITES- common myths
by Rhiannon Brown, Envirapest
Your house and stables are looking wonderful this spring, but do you know what is happening inside the walls of your brick or timber building?

AS19 - OUCH THAT HURTS
by Catherine Bird for Country Park Saddlery
The extent of the swelling is usually an indication of the severity of the infection or injury and the cause needs to be established before giving herbs.

JJ19 - MANAGING PASTURE
by Rhiannon Brown, Envirapest Healthy pasture means healthy horses.

A/M19 - STOP THOSE WEEDS
Property biosecurity
by Rhiannon Brown, Envirapest
Putting simple precautionary steps into place can make it tough for weeds to get a hold on your equine paradise.

Soil inoculants are beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, that are introduced into the soil to improve its quality.

These microorganisms in the soil play many roles, including breaking down organic matter making nutrients available to plants, and improving soil structure.

Many landholders today will claim to grow soil given soil health is crucial for growing healthy plants. There are many ways to improve the quality of soil to promote better growth and one increasingly popular method is the use of molasses as a soil ameliorant (a material that helps to enhance soil health and fertility). While it’s widely known as a sweetener in horse feed and even human food and beverages, it has been gaining attention for its remarkable ability to enhance soil biology.

Derived from sugar cane or sugar beet, molasses contains a mix of sugars, minerals, vitamins, and organic compounds, making it a rich nutrient source for microorganisms.

HOW MOLASSES WORKS
Feeding Soil Microorganisms: Molasses is rich in sugars, which are a preferred food source for many soil microorganisms, particularly bacteria and fungi. These microbes help break down organic material in the soil, releasing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium that plants can absorb. By promoting microbial activity, molasses encourages nutrient cycling, which is vital for maintaining soil fertility.

Boosting Soil Aeration and Structure: As microorganisms feed on the molasses, they multiply, contributing to improved soil structure. Their activity can help break down compacted soil and create channels for air and water to flow more freely. This improved aeration, supports plant roots and encourages healthier, more robust growth.

Enhancing Nutrient Bio-Availability: The breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms is essential for releasing nutrients that plants can use. Molasses aids this process by stimulating microbial activity, increasing the availability of both macro and micronutrients in the soil.

Supporting Beneficial Microbial Populations: Molasses not only feeds beneficial microorganisms but also helps suppress harmful pathogens in the soil. It promotes the growth of positive microbes that outcompete or inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, helping to protect plants from soil-borne diseases.

APPLICATION
Molasses is typically applied in liquid form, diluted with water. The general application rate is about 1 to 2 tablespoons of molasses per 3-4L of water, though this can vary depending on the specific needs of the soil and plants. It can be applied in several ways:
Soil Drench: Water the soil directly with the molasses solution. This allows the microorganisms in the soil to feed on the sugars and start breaking down organic matter.

Compost Activator: Molasses can be mixed into compost piles to help accelerate decomposition and promote microbial activity. This is especially useful for composting materials that are slow to break down.
Foliar Spray: In some cases, a diluted molasses solution can be sprayed onto plant leaves. This can boost plant health by supporting beneficial microorganisms on the foliage, although the primary benefits of molasses are generally seen when applied directly to the soil.

PRECAUTIONS
While molasses is a valuable addition to soil, it should be used in moderation. Overuse can lead to excessive microbial growth, which might result in imbalances in the soil ecosystem. Always dilute the molasses properly, and avoid applying it in excessive quantities. It’s also important to use unsulfured molasses (most common in Australia anyway), as the sulfur content in sulfured molasses can be detrimental to plant health. Organic or blackstrap molasses is typically the best choice because it is nutrient-dense and free from additives.