MONTGOMERY COUNTY EQUINE TWILIGHT TOUR
The Montgomery Soil Conservation District and Montgomery Cooperative Extension sponsored an Equine Twilight Tour on September 11th at Glenn Ridge Farm in Clarksburg. Over thirty people participated in the tour and heard presentations by equine experts from the University of Maryland, MSCD and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service. Much of the credit for the success of the program goes to the landowners, Ben and Dana Guanciale, and their contractor, Gallardo Brothers, for being such gracious hosts.
The Guanciales’ efforts to protect soil and water resources provided a valuable example for other landowners to follow. During the tour, it was clear to the participants that the management style at Glenn Ridge includes conservation and a dedication to land stewardship. The Guanciales have worked closely with MSCD on a number of conservation practices including a waste storage structure and heavy use areas. Topics presented during the tour included:
- Equine Electric Fencing: “The Spark Starts Here”
- Selecting Hay for Horses
- Pasture Plant Identification
- Composting and Heavy Use Areas
The “Montgomery County Equine Seminar Series” continues on November 28th at the Agricultural History Farm Park. Come join us for a fun, informative and free evening focusing on important equine topics such as:
- Make Your Pastures Profitable! The Economics of Pasture Rotation
- Managing Parasites in Horses
- Horse Farm Permits 101
- Managing Rainwater and Avoiding Mud on Horse Farms
- Weed Management in Horse Pastures
While this event is free, we ask that you please register in advance by November 26th.To register, or for more information, please contact Eddie Franceschi at 301-590-2855.