View Poster Application

Extension Equine Pasture Walks: Blending Hands-On Learning with Hybrid Education to Improve Pasture Management

Extension Education

Amanda Barnum
Jefferson

Abstract

Horse owners often manage pastures without formal training. This leading to overgrazing, weed infestations, soil degradation, and negative impacts on equine health and environmental stewardship. To address these challenges, Ohio State University Extension developed and delivered a series of Equine Pasture Walks designed to provide research-based, hands-on education supported by hybrid learning tools. Three regional pasture walks were hosted in Ashtabula, Clermont, and Wayne Counties at working equine facilities. Each event emphasized experiential learning and covered key topics including plant and root physiology, grazing height assessment using grazing sticks, weed and toxic plant identification, soil sampling techniques, mud and dry lot management, and equine nutritional considerations. Programming was delivered collaboratively by county-based Extension educators, Ohio State ATI faculty, forage specialists, and local Soil and Water Conservation District partners. To extend learning beyond the field, the 2025 Forages for Horses curriculum was updated and expanded to include a revised manual, an online Canvas-based course, and recorded webinars. This hybrid approach allowed participants to reinforce concepts introduced during pasture walks while increasing accessibility for those unable to attend in-person programming. A total of 101 participants attended across the three pastures walk events. Participant feedback indicated increased knowledge of pasture species selection, grazing management, and facility design strategies that improve pasture longevity and reduce environmental impacts. Many participants reported improved confidence in evaluating their own pastures and implementing sustainable management practices. This program demonstrates the effectiveness of combining hands-on Extension education with flexible online learning tools to meet the needs of modern horse owners. Future efforts will focus on expanding digital resources, incorporating advanced forage assessment tools, and scaling the program regionally and across state lines to further strengthen equine pasture education.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

Click to view Poster

Authors: Amanda Barnum, Janessa Hill, Nanett Neal, Erika Lyon, Christine Gelley, Emma Matcham, Sara Mastellar
  1. Barnum, A. Ashtabula County ANR Educator, Organizer and Presenter. , Ohio, 44047
  2. Hill, J. Holmes County ANR Educator, Organizer., Ohio, 44654
  3. Neal, N. Clermont County ANR Assistant Professor, Organizer and Presenter., Ohio, 45160
  4. Lyon, E. Jefferson/Harrison Counties ANR Educator, Organizer and Online Course Creator., Ohio, 43952
  5. Gelley, C. Noble County ANR Educator, Organizer and Presenter., Ohio, 43724
  6. Matcham, E. Assistant Professor, Integrated Forage Systems, Organizer, Presenter, and Fact Sheet Author. , Ohio, 43210
  7. Mastellar, S. Associate Professor and Equine Program Coordinator at Ohio State ATI, Organizer, Presenter, and Fact Sheet Author. , Ohio, 44691