Hi Virginia, The new place is going to be so fun for you!
Personally I wouldn't mow the pasture. Curious how big is it? I doubt two horses will do any noticeable damage to it. You're likely to only see damage near the gate where they'll exuberantly peel-out throwing a bit of dirt and sod. Once your ground is frozen for the winter they won't do any damage to the ground, likely not even right at the gate. I am guessing you won't be able to move even steel tip electric fence poles once the ground is frozen (unless it's really not all that cold where you'll be). I know it is rare here that we can move a pole after the real freeze hits. The members from the south don't seem to have a grasp of just what real frozen ground is! ;o) Your horses will enjoy the "chew-time" they'll get out on the pasture and it will help keep them from chewing on your board fence, shelter, etc. The roughage they'll get eating the dead grasses will also produce a lot of heat that will keep them warm over the winter. No matter what the weather is they will be happy to go out on the pasture every day! :o) I would only keep them in during very rare dangerously low temperatures. Cheryl Sand Creek Icelandics Icelandic Horses & Icelandic Sheepdogs website: www.toltallyice.com PS Where? :o)
