Becky S.

I've been cruising around Y!A for about 15 minutes today, and twice I have seen people say that using crops is okay because horses have such thick skin.

I'm all for using crops properly, as an extension of your leg, or for the occasional "come-to-your-senses" moment. However, I have always heard that horses have such sensitive and thin skin. Very few animals are able to feel every time a fly lands on them (humans included) yet horses do have the ability to feel when a fly lands.

So, what are your thoughts? Do horses have thick skin or thin skin? What's your reasoning?

My fiance and I bought a new place earlier this year. We are hoping to have the place ready for horses by next spring. Currently, my horses are happily residing at my parents' farm.

There is a small portion of our land that we will be turning from lawn into horse pasture. We would like to re-seed the area soon, so that it will be growing nicely by next spring.

I grew up on a farm, so I know quite a bit about pasture rotation and how to properly maintain a pasture. I guess I am mainly looking for any tips/pieces of advice you all have found out when re-seeding a pasture. I am thinking that we will probably be broadcasting the seed rather than drilling it, as it is a fairly small area that needs to be done.

We do have plenty of people available who have done pasture re-seeding before that would be willing to help us, so we will not be attacking this job blindly, but any additional help is appreciated!

We live in Michigan, as I am sure the climate/soil makes a difference. I do plan on getting the soil tested before re-seeding by the local co-op. Also, to anyone in the area, what type of seed would be the best to re-seed with?

Thanks in advance to any and all who help!