According to the 2007 Michigan Equine Survey, there are about 155,000 horses, ponies, mules and donkeys in Michigan. And they are as hungry as, well, horses.

Horse owners and barn managers can learn how to plant and maintain horse pastures and hayfields to produce nutritionally sound forage by reading a newly revised bulletin from MSU Extension titled "Growing Hay & Pasture for Michigan Horses" (E-2305).

The six-page publication features tips about preparing, planting and maintaining productive pasture and hayfields. It includes information about managing insect pests and weeds and improving soil fertility. Horse farm managers will also find information about pasture grass and legume species and the management needs of various pasture seed mixes.

"The cost of every aspect of horse ownership is increasing, and horse farm managers need all the information they can get to make decisions that will enable them to maintain pastures that provide adequate nutrition for their animals all year round," says Karen Waite, MSU Extension youth equine specialist and one of the bulletin's co-authors. "Whether they are managing broodmares, horses in training or trail riding partners, good nutrition is important."

Produced by members of the MSU Extension equine and forage teams, "Growing Hay & Pasture for Michigan Horses" is available online or from any MSU Extension county office.

MSU Extension helps people improve their lives through an educational process that applies knowledge to critical needs, issues and opportunities. The organization serves all 83 Michigan counties.