Choosing the right grass and forage plants for horses is critical for healthy grazing and nutrition. This article reviews top grass seeds, forage mixes, and related supplements ideal for horse pastures, with options varying from high-yield perennial grasses to organic herbal supplements. Below is a summary table of the selected products that address diverse pasture and nutritional needs.
| Product | Brand | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Horsetail Herb 4 oz. (USDA Certified Organic) | Elanen Naturals | Organic herbal supplement to support horse health |
| Nature’s Way Soil Hay, Pasture & Lawn Fertilizer | Nature’s Way Soil | Organic liquid fertilizer safe for livestock pastures |
| 3 Mexican Feather Grass Live Plants | CitronellaKing | Drought-tolerant ornamental feather grass |
| Outsidepride Forage Tall Fescue Grass Seeds – 50 lb. | Outsidepride | Perennial, drought-tolerant forage grass for grazing |
| Outsidepride Horse Choice Pasture & Livestock Grass Seed Mix – 25 Lbs | Outsidepride | High-yield drought resistant seed mix for horses |
Organic Horsetail Herb for Horse Health Support
Elanen Naturals offers a USDA Certified Organic horsetail herb, also known as cola de caballo or shave grass, widely used as a natural supplement in horse health care. This non-GMO, organic, and BPA-free packaged herb supports hair growth, healthy blood pressure, and acts as a diuretic. Hand-selected by a clinical herbalist and laboratory-analyzed, this loose leaf tea-grade herb ensures purity and potency. While not a grass for pasture planting, it can complement forage diets by promoting overall vitality in horses.
Nature’s Way Soil Hay, Pasture & Lawn Fertilizer
This organic liquid fertilizer by Nature’s Way Soil is designed to enrich pasture and forage conditions, using a microbe-based blend that is safe for all livestock including horses. It promotes healthy grass growth, soil conditioning, and improves the quality of grazing feed naturally. Easy-to-apply and non-toxic, it supports long-term sustainability for hay, turf, and pasture fields, making for nutrient-rich fodder critical to horse nutrition.
3 Mexican Feather Grass Live Plants
CitronellaKing provides a drought-tolerant ornamental grass known as Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella Tenuissima) that thrives in USDA zones 6-10. Though not a primary forage grass, it is pet-safe and can be used as an accent plant in landscapes including around pastures. These easy-care plants add visual grace and can complement pasture areas, especially in drier climates where resilient greenery is desirable alongside forage species.
Outsidepride Forage Tall Fescue Grass Seeds
Designed for pasture and hay production, Outsidepride’s Tall Fescue Grass Seeds provide a nutritious, endophyte-free forage ideal for horses and other livestock. Known for drought tolerance and perennial growth, this grass thrives in varied climates and maintains nutritional value into fall, useful for stockpiling forage. Its dense and palatable leaves promote grazing health and reduce livestock challenges related to grass toxins, supporting sustainable pasture management.
Outsidepride Horse Choice Pasture & Livestock Grass Seed Mix
This premium seed mix from Outsidepride features orchard grass, timothy, fescue, and Italian ryegrass, tailored for horses, goats, and other livestock grazing. It is drought-resistant, cold-hardy for USDA zones 3-10, and has strong root systems enhancing soil health. Suitable for grazing, hay, silage, and greenchop, it supports rotational grazing systems, pasture restoration, and delivers nutrient-dense forage throughout the growing season.
Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Grass and Forage for Horses
When selecting the best grasses or forage plants for horses, consider the following factors to ensure optimal pasture health and horse nutrition:
Nutrition and Palatability
- Choose forage types with high nutrient content such as tall fescue varieties free of harmful endophytes.
- Palatable grasses encourage consistent grazing and reduce selective feeding that can damage pastures.
Climate and Soil Adaptability
- Match grass species to your USDA hardiness zone and local climate conditions.
- Drought-tolerant and cold-hardy grasses improve pasture resilience and reduce maintenance.
- Consider soil health amendments or fertilizers to promote strong, persistent growth.
Growth and Maintenance
- Select perennial species for long-term pasture productivity and sustainability.
- Seed mixes combining multiple forage grasses can offer balanced nutrition and improved ground coverage.
- Assess whether supplementary products like organic fertilizers or herbal supplements fit your pasture management plan.
Safety and Livestock Compatibility
- Ensure forage grasses and supplements are safe for horses and other livestock.
- Avoid grasses containing harmful toxins or chemicals, opting for USDA-certified organic or endophyte-free options when possible.
Application Goals
- Decide if the primary goal is grazing, hay production, or soil restoration to choose appropriate seed blends.
- For rotational grazing or extended forage supply, consider species with stockpiling capability and robust regrowth.