Pasture is a common item on most horse farms and facilities. The challenge is how to maintain a good pasture stand with the challenges of weather. In 2007 Kentucky experienced a significant drought and horse owners became concerned about their pastures and what they might have for the next year. To address these concerns Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) agents in Fayette, Jessamine and Woodford counties came up with an educational program Pastures Please. In 2023 the program is in its 16^th year and ANR equine agent working group along with extension specialists and associates planned the program again considering the impacts of the recent drought on pastures for the coming grazing season.  

The program has always looked at topics that are tied to managing horses on pasture and maintaining good pasture health. While pastures Please has typically been a central Kentucky program in 2023 agents in west Kentucky hosted a program. The ability to focus topics on the needs of the horse owners in the area the program is presented is a strength of the program. ANR agents bring concerns that they see locally to the discussion and then the program with area specific topics are developed. 

In 2023 over 230 people participated in person and by accessing the recorded presentation. Both programs featured a topic on weed control and what to expect for weeds following the dry 2022 grazing season. In west Kentucky topics included what can I seed to get me through the summer grazing period and how can I best manage my horses with a change in forage available. 

Having the collaboration between ANR agents from across the state in the Equine Working group helps to target educational programs that fit with their needs. 

It was noted that over 90% of those in attendance plan to use the information presented to manage their pastures and their horses in the upcoming grazing season.