Horse pasture with a durable sward

What is a durable sward?

Grass species that anchor themselves deeply in the soil through their root systems form a durable sward. In addition, the number of plants per square metre is an important factor in determining the load-bearing capacity of the sward.

Barenbrug has developed its RPR technology specifically for swards that are subjected to intensive wear and tear.

What is RPR technology?

Grasses developed with RPR technology produce stolons. These are horizontal runners that form a natural network. This creates an exceptionally strong sward with high wear tolerance. Compared with traditional grass, an RPR sward is far less likely to be pulled apart by hooves or damaged in other ways. The grass is held firmly in place from all sides. As a result, even under intensive use, the dense grass cover remains intact.

Is there grass that can repair itself?

To prevent bare patches, grasses must be able to recover quickly after damage. Thanks to their horizontal runners, grasses with RPR technology have the ability to regenerate and repair themselves. This helps prevent bare patches from developing in the pasture. Grasses with RPR technology also help suppress the growth of weeds and undesirable grass species.

What can you do yourself to maintain a durable sward in a horse pasture?

In addition to choosing a grass mixture that is suitable for horse pastures, proper maintenance also contributes to the quality of the sward. A well-planned fertilisation programme, regular removal of manure from the pasture, occasional topping, and annual overseeding all help keep a pasture healthy and in good condition.

Read more about horse pasture maintenance here.

Horse Master. Healthy grass for horses

Horse Master is a pasture mixture specially tailored to the needs of horses. It contains grass varieties with a low growing point, enabling rapid regrowth after grazing or mowing. The varieties in Horse Master have also been selected for their low fructan content. The RPR technology in Horse Master creates a natural network of roots with horizontal stolons. This results in a very dense and durable sward that can withstand intensive hoof traffic.