Start the Season Right: Your Team Chasing Prep Guide

BTC sponsor Goldsmiths Seeds offers some great advice on helping your paddocks bounce back from the dry summer and offer useful turnout into next year. For details on their range check out www.goldsmithsseeds.com or give them a follow on Instagram @goldsmithsseeds AUTUMN: IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO RESEED YOUR PADDOCKS! Recovering from a dry summer? Autumn can offer the perfect conditions to give your paddocks a helping hand. WHY RESEED AFTER A DRY SUMMER? Extended dry weather can leave grass dormant, weaken existing plants and expose bare soil. Once the rain returns, some grass will recover naturally, but badly damaged or thin areas may need a little extra help. Reseeding or overseeding can help thicken the grass cover, improve the resilience of your pasture and reduce the amount of bare ground vulnerable to damage during wetter weather. Good ground cover helps protect the soil, supports sustainable grazing and can help reduce the development of muddy, worn areas. WHAT ARE THE OPTIMUM CONDITIONS FOR RESEEDING? 1. Soil temperature As a general guide, aim for a soil temperature of at least 8°C, with warmer soil helping seeds germinate more quickly. 2. Soil moisture Grass seed needs moisture to germinate and develop roots. Ideally, the soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged. 3. Suitable weather Mild conditions are preferable, with moderate daytime temperatures and reliable rainfall. The aim is to give the seed enough warmth and moisture to germinate and the young grass enough time to establish. 4. Good seed-to-soil contact Simply scattering seed over existing grass is unlikely to produce the best results. Preparing the surface and ensuring seed makes contact with the soil will improve the chances of successful germination. H OW TO PREPARE YOUR PADDOCK · Assess the damage: If the grass is still present but thin, overseeding may be sufficient. Severely damaged areas may need more thorough renovation. · Prepare the ground: Remove excess dead material, reduce competition from existing grass and address compaction where necessary. · Check your soil: A soil test can identify pH and nutrient deficiencies, helping you make informed decisions about any lime or fertiliser required. · Choose the right seed: Use a grass mixture specifically suited to horse paddocks, your soil type and your grazing requirements. · Sow carefully: Follow the seed supplier’s recommended sowing rate and method, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact. Rolling may help where appropriate, provided the ground is suitable. · Allow time to establish: Keep horses off newly seeded areas until the grass has developed a strong, well-rooted sward. This can take several weeks or longer, depending on the weather and growing conditions. CHOOSING THE RIGHT GRASS SEED FOR HORSES Not all grass seed mixtures are suitable for every horse paddock. Look for a horse specific mixture containing appropriate, persistent grasses that can tolerate grazing and hoof traffic. For horses that are good doers, overweight or prone to laminitis, seek advice on selecting a suitable lower-sugar, lower-energy mixture. Consider the soil type, drainage, intended use of the field and the horses grazing it before deciding which mixture to use. Goldsmiths Seeds Ltd offers a premium range of agricultural and amenity grass seeds, including a range of mixes tailored specifically for the equine market. Email us at sales@goldsmithsseeds.com with your specific requirements to get a bespoke recommendation. www.goldsmithsseeds.com

SUMMER NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2026