Pasture Management
for
Horses

Hedges

The term "hedge" means different things in different parts of the country. In the east of England it will simply shrub type growth, possibly of one species, or possibly of several species (the number of species present in a hedge can give some indication of the age of a hedge - the more species, the older the hedge). In the west country a hedge can be a structure similar to a dry stone wall but with soil in in the centre. This will at least have grass growing on top and may or may not have shrub species also.

Either type of hedge may be stock proof if it is sufficiently dense, snd should be a safe option. The "stock proofness" may be improved by layering (a skilled process where the woody stems are partly cut through, then woven to create a strong structure that continues to grow.

Where a hedge exists but is not considered to be stock proof, some form of fencing will also be required. The cheapest effective solution must be to use electric fencing. As this will be against a hedge which whilst not being stockproof is visible, a single strand of narrow (10mm) tape should be sufficient.
Even if the hedge is already stockproof, horses may over a period of time damage it untill they can escape. It is therefore advisable to protect any hedge with some sort of fencing.

10mm electric tape on plastic stakes against a thin hedge.