Samenvatting

This thesis covers the topic of ‘Optimal management of equine pastures’. From the equine sector, a request was made for more knowledge on the topic of pasture management. The main problem with gaining information on this topic is not the lack of existing knowledge, but the knowledge being spread over a vast amount of sources and these sources contradicting each other. The purpose of this thesis is discovering which knowledge is already known and which knowledge is desired, in order to write a practical guide on equine pasture management for the equine sector. This was done through the following main-question: “what is the optimal management of equine pastures on the three most common soil types in the Netherlands?” This question was divided into three subjects: the existing knowledge and need for knowledge on the topics of pasture management, soil and vegetation. Literature offers an immense amount of information, however the necessary information is often not available in one place. Additionally, sources also contradict each other quite often. The knowledge among the respondents in this research turned out to be limited, especially compared to literature. The respondents were generally aware of the big picture, but the reasoning behind certain actions and deeper knowledge were lacking. The request for new knowledge was mainly on the topic of vegetation, the operative soil and on management in personal circumstances. Therefore, information on soil, management practises and especially vegetation in relation to soil types should be included in the guide. By offering one source with correct information, the demand for new knowledge should be easier fulfilled.