What is the Transitional Horse Pasture Mix?
A durable cool-season forage mix for horses and livestock, combining deep-rooted meadow brome, tall fescue, ryegrass, alfalfa, and Kentucky bluegrass. High-yield and drought-resilient once established, it supports long grazing seasons and good hay production. Performs well in USDA Zones 3–7 (Great Plains, Northeast, Intermountain West) and uses water efficiently by tapping deep soil moisture. Ideal for equine and ruminant pastures, this mix also improves soil health and attracts pollinators.
Specifications
Sun Requirement
Full sun (tolerates some shade)
Soil Preference
Adaptable; loam, clay or gravelly soils
Soil pH
pH 6.0–7.5
Time to Maturity
~60–90 days to first forage harvest
Height when mature
~1–4 feet tall
Seeding Rate
~20 lbs/acre
Planting Depth
0.25–0.5
Horse Pasture Mix – Transitional
SKU: PB-HRSE-T
- Horse
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Description
What seeds are in the mix?
Drought Tolerance
This blend’s deep-rooted species are key to its drought resilience. Alfalfa has a long taproot and “good” drought tolerance, and meadow brome is noted for “good drought tolerance and excellent winter-hardiness”. Tall fescue also survives dry spells moderately well (better than ryegrass or bluegrass), so once established the stand stays green longer during summer dry periods. Overall water use is efficient for a forage mix, since deep roots reach soil moisture.
Maintenance Needs
Once established, this mix is fairly low-maintenance. Grasses like tall fescue and bluegrass form a durable sod that competes well with weeds, and alfalfa fixes its own nitrogen (lowering fertilizer needs). Expect to mow or graze on a schedule: harvest or graze at the recommended height to promote tillering (for grasses) and regrowth. Routine spring fertilization (especially phosphorus for alfalfa) will boost yields. Because tall fescue can carry endophytes, use endophyte-free varieties for horse pastures to avoid health issues.
Erosion Control
The dense root systems of these perennial grasses bind soil effectively. Meadow bromegrass in particular spreads by short rhizomes and is well-suited for stabilizing disturbed soils (especially where annual rain is ≥14 inches). Combined with alfalfa, which has a very deep taproot, the stand provides excellent ground cover and forage over the growing season (keeping soil anchored even after seedhead drop). Use on slopes and gullies to prevent runoff, as the living mulch creates a thick protective canopy.
Grazing Resilience
This mix was designed for pasture durability under grazing. It establishes quickly (perennial ryegrass is very quick to germinate and thrive), then recovers fast after defoliation. Meadow brome is noted for a “strong re-growth characteristic, with continued forage value into the fall”. Animals should begin grazing when grasses reach about 8–12″ tall, and always leave a 3–4″ stubble. Rotate grazing so regrowth (3–4 weeks per cycle) occurs; this encourages tillering and stand longevity. In sum, the grass-legume mix tolerates heavy use and bounces back if managed properly.
Pollinators & Wildlife
Alfalfa blooms are a boon for bees and butterflies, extending forage appeal to pollinators in summer. The flowering legumes and grasses provide nectar and pollen, while the tussocky grasses offer nesting cover for ground birds. In fact, meadow brome “is palatable to sheep, cattle, horses, and many classes of wildlife”, and its seedheads feed upland game birds. Together, this forage mix enriches pasture habitat: livestock get nutrition, and beneficial insects and wildlife gain forage and shelter.
Description
What seeds are in the mix?
Detail Product
Sun/Shade
Prefers full sun
Height
~1–4 feet tall
Seeding Rate
~25–30 lbs/acre (mix)
Uses
Livestock forage (grazing/hay), pasture renovation, erosion control, pollinator habitat
Color
Rich green foliage
Water
Rich green foliage
Native
Introduced
Life Form
Perennial grass and legume
Product Uses
Reliable Pasture Powerhouse
This mix provides robust pasture feed for horses, cattle, sheep, and goats. Horses and livestock favor the leafy alfalfa and ryegrass (very high palatability), while fescue and brome add bulk. It establishes dense, nutritious forage quickly and can be harvested for hay or grazed repeatedly. In practice, you’ll see good tonnage: tall fescue yields heavily when paired with a legume. The result is a pasture that keeps animals well-fed from spring green-up through fall.
Natural Erosion Control
The root systems of meadow brome, fescue, and alfalfa lock down soil. Bromegrass, especially, is noted for “stabilization of disturbed soils” with adequate rainfall. Plant this mix on slopes or bare banks to hold soil and nutrients. After seeding, you’ll quickly get a green mat of grass that prevents washouts, making it ideal for conservation plantings, runoff areas, and stream buffers.
Set It, Graze It, Forget It
Once in, this blend needs little pampering. It crowds out weeds naturally and requires minimal fertilizer (alfalfa fixes nitrogen). With occasional mowing or grazing at the 8″ to 10″ height, stands stay vigorous year after year. The result is a lush, low-input cover that won’t need frequent watering – perfect for large acreage or equestrian grounds where you want greenery without intensive care.
Livestock & Wildlife Friendly
As the grasses and alfalfa grow, they create habitat for birds and beneficial insects. The seedheads of brome and bluegrass provide winter food for quail and other upland birds, while dense clumps offer cover. In summer, the alfalfa’s purple blossoms attract bees and butterflies. In short, this mix enriches pasture biodiversity: it feeds livestock and supports wildlife at the same time.
Ornamental Appeal
In pastures and paddocks, it looks tidy and green; let it bloom or stand u,p and it adds a meadow-like aesthetic. The Kentucky bluegrass and fescue can form a fine-textured turf on edges (bluegrass is a classic lawn grass). Grasses turn straw-colored in fall, giving an attractive golden hue. Consider seeding it in large landscape areas where a “natural” grass look is desired – it’s greener than weeds and more visually pleasing, while still functional.
Questions & Answers
What is this mix and why plant it?
This cool-season, multi-species blend is designed for horses and other grazers. It combines meadow brome, fescue, ryegrass, alfalfa, and bluegrass for year-round forage. Ryegrass ensures quick establishment, while fescue and alfalfa deliver high yields and strong nutrition. Alfalfa also adds protein and natural nitrogen. Compared to single-species pastures, this mix offers better grazing, higher feed value, and more productivity per acre.
How is the forage quality, and is it good for grazing?
Quality is excellent—alfalfa and perennial ryegrass are highly palatable and digestible, making them ideal for livestock. Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass add reliable, cool-season nutrition, with bluegrass offering especially sweet spring growth. This mix provides a balanced, perennial forage ideal for grazing or haying multiple times per year. Just manage alfalfa carefully to minimize bloat risk—rotational grazing or mixing with grasses helps.
What are the key planting guidelines?
Plant in early spring or late summer (e.g., March–May or August–September in Indiana). Prepare a firm seedbed and broadcast or drill at 25–30 lbs/acre (e.g., ~15 lbs fescue, ~10 lbs alfalfa). Sow shallowly—no deeper than ¼–½ inch—and press the seed in with a roller or light packing. Keep soil moist until germination; seedlings usually emerge in 1–2 weeks. Once established, manage it like any standard pasture or hay field.
What about water and drought?
This mix is water-efficient once established. Alfalfa’s deep taproot and fescue’s strong root system tap into subsoil moisture, helping the stand stay green longer during dry spells. Regular watering is important early on, but after establishment, moderate rainfall or occasional irrigation is usually sufficient. Grasses may slow growth in drought, but won’t die out. Overall, it’s a resilient, low-water pasture option.
How do I manage grazing and cutting?
Rotate carefully: start grazing when the stand reaches 8–12″, and stop before it drops below 3–4″ to protect regrowth. Allow 3–4 weeks of recovery after each grazing or cutting. Alfalfa needs this rest to rebuild root reserves. With good moisture, you can cut hay 2–3 times per year. Avoid overgrazing during the first season to help the stand establish properly.
Can I use it as a lawn or ornamental turf?
Not a manicured lawn mix, but it works as a meadow-style turf. Bluegrass and fescue create a mowable base, while alfalfa and brome add a coarser texture. Ideal for resilient groundcover in paddocks, around barns, or large pastures—green through summer, turning golden in fall.
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Reviews
A hardy cool-season forage mix for horses and livestock, featuring meadow brome, tall fescue, ryegrass, alfalfa, and Kentucky bluegrass. It offers high yields, strong drought resilience, and supports extended grazing or haying. Best suited for USDA Zones 3–78(Great Plains, Northeast, Intermountain West), this mix uses water efficiently and enhances soil health, while also attracting pollinators.
| Weight | 10 lbs |
|---|---|
| Coverage Area |
