Montgomery Soil Conservation District
Montgomery County, Maryland
Equestrian Information
In concert with the University of Maryland Extension, the MSCD periodically offers pasture walks and equine workshops, the most popular being the Horse Management Workshop.
For the latest workshop dates, see the Events page.
Free Manure Lab Analysis
The District has received a grant from the Maryland Horse Industry Board to conduct a study of manure and compost nutrient content across a large sample of Montgomery County Equine Farms.
If you would like to volunteer to receive a free horse manure lab analysis, please download the fillable PDF below and email to the Equine Specialist at Travis.Gorleski@montgomerycountymd.gov by February 25, 2022. You will be provided a copy of your test results from the lab at no cost to you.
STEP 1.
Download the fillable PDF form by clicking the button to the right, or click here.
STEP 2.
Save the form and email to the Equine Specialist, Travis Gorleski.
Equine Services
Forage Testing
We are happy to help local horse owners and stables test their hay. The District has multiple forage testers available; please contact us if you would like our help testing your hay. We no longer loan or rent out the forage testers, but our specialists are happy to come to you to perform the testing.
Video Resources
Herbal Pastures for Improved Horse Health
By Dr. Joyce Harman
Video length: 44 mins 38 sec
-
Goals of an herbal feeding program
-
Grains vs. grass
-
Healthy pastures and healthy gardens
Forages Fertility: Basics, Nutrients, Soil Testing
By Professor Gurpal Toor
Video length: 38 mins 34 sec
-
Soil basics: organic matter, composition, pH, liming
-
Nutrients
-
Soil testing: diagnosing problems, reading reports
Heavy Use Areas
Video length: 31 mins 22 sec
Hay Sampling
Video length: 18 mins 8 sec
-
Choosing hay: color, leafiness, and maturity
-
Forage tests
Downloadable Resources
First Year Planting
Fertility and Weed Control
Soils Info (NRCS)
Soil Testing
Equine Contractors
