Maintaining your paddocks is essential for ensuring high-quality pasture that promotes healthy and content horses. Proper paddock maintenance not only enhances the health and well-being of your animals but can also reduce feed costs and improve the longevity of your grazing land.
Here at OJM Farm & Equine, we provide local paddock maintenance for horse owners, livery yards, farmers and landowners across Berkshire and surrounding counties.
Our paddock maintenance programme, combined with regular paddock rotation and the correct fertiliser, can make a significant difference in the quality of your land. Whether your fields require rejuvenation or routine care, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your needs. For more information or to get a quote, get in touch today.
Paddock Maintenance Services For Horse Owners, Yards and Landowners
Our paddock maintenance service is set up to make the lives of horse owners and landowners easier to manage. We carry out routine maintenance on a semi-regular basis for yards across West Berkshire, with several farms in surrounding counties utilising our one-off restoration work also. We specialise in equestrian paddock maintenance, helping improve the quality of grazing land for your horses.
Whether you’re looking for paddock maintenance for your livery yards, farms, estates or rural properties, the OJM Farm & Equine team can help.
Our Paddock Maintenance Services
Explore the various elements that make up our paddock maintenance service.
Chain Harrowing
Chain harrowing is an effective method to promote new grass growth, especially during the Spring and Summer months. This technique enhances soil health by managing thatch, aerating the land, and suppressing weeds, ensuring vibrant and nutritious pasture. This is beneficial for horse owners, with healthier grazing and pasture recovery.
Flat Rolling
Flat rolling levels out uneven areas and divots in your paddocks, improving safety and appearance. It’s also crucial during the reseeding process, aiding seed-to-soil contact for better germination rates. Flat rolling is best done when ground conditions are suitable, not when too wet or compacted.
Topping and Grass Cutting
Topping is an integral part of pasture management. By removing undesirable biomass and reproductive pastures, topping encourages new growth and enhances the nutritional quality of the grass, keeping your paddocks in peak condition. Topping and grass cutting are essential for any livery-yard.
Reseeding and Overseeding
Our paddock maintenance service includes reseeding and overseeding to counteract tired, patchy or overgrazed paddocks. Our experience in foraging and grassland management means we know just what your paddock needs.
Fertilising and Soil Improvement
Maintaining healthy paddocks requires replenishing nutrients that are lost over time. Fertilising restores essential nutrients and improves soil health, supporting robust grass growth. Our soil testing services allow us to recommend the precise fertiliser required to maximise the potential of your land. We aim to improve quality, not just make grass grow quickly.
Spraying and Weed Control
Effective pest and weed control is essential for maintaining nutritious, high-quality grazing. Spraying helps manage unwanted plants and pests, boosting the productivity of your paddocks. Our trained professionals can advise on the best solutions for your specific needs. We will advise on the timing and horse re-entry periods.
Drainage, Ditches and Grassland Subsoiling
Poor drainage can lead to poaching, excessive mud, standing water and damaged gateways. Our paddock maintenance service covers your drainage issues with ditch creation and grassland subsoiling where necessary. The best solution is advised after viewing the land.
Muddy Gateway and Track Repairs
Muddy gateways and tracks are a recurring issue for those who do not have their paddock properly maintained. Poach gateways and wet entrances cause all sorts of trouble for livery-yard owners and users.
When Does Your Paddock Need Maintenance?
Paddocks work hard throughout the year, especially on busy yards or during wet weather. Regular maintenance helps keep grazing healthier, turnout safer, and fields easier to manage.
Your paddock may need attention if you notice:
- Bare, patchy or overgrazed areas
- Standing water or boggy ground
- Heavy weeds, nettles, docks or thistles
- Uneven ground, ruts, molehills or hoof marks
- Poor grass growth
- Muddy gateways or worn field entrances
- Compacted soil
- Tired or damaged fencing
If your paddock is looking worn, wet or difficult to manage, OJM Farm & Equine can assess the ground and recommend practical maintenance, from harrowing and rolling to reseeding, topping, drainage work and gateway repairs.
Seasonal Paddock Maintenance In Berkshire
Effective paddock maintenance should be carried out across all seasons, but the tasks that are performed vary to meet the demands of the weather and your land. When you enlist our help here at OJM Farm & Maintenance, we take care of all of this.
Spring Paddock Maintenance
Your spring paddock maintenance should include:
- Chain harrowing
- Rolling when ground conditions allow
- Soil testing/fertilising
- Overseeding
- Weed control planning
Summer Paddock Maintenance
Your summer paddock maintenance should include:
- Topping
- Weed control
- Grassland monitoring
- Rotation support
- Scrub and hedge management where appropriate
Autumn Paddock Maintenance
Your autumn paddock maintenance should include:
- Harrowing
- Repairing damaged areas
- Drainage checks
- Reseeding where suitable
- Preparing turnout areas before wetter weather
Winter Paddock Considerations
Your winter paddock maintenance should include:
- Planning spring recovery work
- Muddy gateways
- Drainage issues
- Poaching
- Fencing checks
Paddock Maintenance Across Berkshire, Oxfordshire And North Hampshire
Our paddock maintenance service is available to farms, landowners and yards across Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and North Hampshire. Common areas where you can find the OJM Farm & Equine team near include farms around Thatcham, Newbury, Hungerford, Reading, Pangbourne, Theale and Basingstoke.
If you would like to find out more about our service area, please get in touch.
Why Choose OJM Farm & Equine?
Here at OJM Farm & Equine, we’re more than just paddock maintenance specialists. We are an experienced equine and agricultural business supporting horse owners, yards, farmers, and rural customers across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and North Hampshire.
Customers choose OJM Farm & Equine for a range of reasons. These include our equine and agricultural experience, practical knowledge of yards, paddocks, fields, and rural access, as well as our straightforward advice from a friendly and approachable team.
As a business, we combine agricultural contracting, forage production, equine supplies, bedding, feed, paddock care, fencing, and an equestrian retail shop. This means our customers can rely on us for much more than paddock maintenance alone.
Explore our full range of farm and equine services.
Our Paddock Maintenance Process
Our paddock maintenance process is straightforward and stress-free.
1. Tell Us About Your Land
The first step is for you to tell us about your land. Include details such as size, location, current condition, horse numbers, and key issues.
2. We Assess What The Paddock Needs
From there, we will assess what the paddock needs. This includes assessing ground condition, weeds, drainage, compaction, grass cover, access, and gateways.
3. We Recommend The Right Work
Next, we recommend the appropriate work. Not every paddock needs everything done. We only carry out what is necessary, as we pride ourselves on being practical and honest.
4. We Carry Out The Work Safely And Efficiently
Once the work has been agreed upon, we get to work. We will plan accordingly, taking into account suitable machinery and timing around weather and ground conditions.
5. We Can Support Ongoing Maintenance
Lastly, we can support further steps to improve paddock standards. This includes seasonal care, repeat visits and any other related tasks that support your yard.
Paddock Maintenance FAQs
Discover some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Paddock Maintenance.
How Often Should Paddocks Be Maintained?
Most paddocks benefit from seasonal maintenance, usually in spring and autumn, with additional topping, weed control, or repairs during the year, depending on grazing pressure and weather conditions.
Do You Offer Equestrian Paddock Maintenance?
Yes, we work with horse owners, livery yards, farmers, and landowners, providing practical equestrian paddock maintenance. Get in touch to find out more.
Can You Help With Muddy Gateways And Poor Drainage?
Yes, we can advise on drainage, grassland subsoiling, ditch work, field tracks, and muddy gateway repairs to help make paddocks safer and easier to manage through wet weather.
Do You Cover Paddock Maintenance Outside Berkshire?
We are based in West Berkshire and provide paddock maintenance services across Berkshire, with wider coverage into Oxfordshire and North Hampshire, depending on the job and location.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Harrow And Roll A Paddock?
Harrowing and rolling are often carried out in spring or autumn, but the right timing depends on grass growth, soil condition, weather, and how the paddock is used. OJM can advise on the best approach for your land.