What does this do?

This is a special harrow - the chain ‘web’ is mounted on a wheeled frame which is towed across a paddock. On the underside of the harrow are blunt tines which comb through the grass, removing dead grass and scarifying the surface. As any lawn owner knows, this stimulates grass growth. (You would need something a little more sophisticated for your lovely lawn, but it’s the same principle!) Harrows are also useful if you’re seeding a paddock: harrow thoroughly; sow the seed: roll the surface with a Ballast Roller to firm the seed into the soil.

Harrowing is also sometimes used to disperse droppings over a wide area, thus preventing the grass beneath becoming sour and unpalatable, but it is definitely not a substitute for removal of the droppings, because of the implications for pest and parasite control. Advice on harrowing droppings is available from the BHS in their Pasture Management document. Harrows have a strong ‘tilling’ action and can be used on menages to quickly dress the top surface. Although they don’t do such a brilliant levelling and grading job as our PG250/T, it will be better than dragging an old pallet over the surface.

Why do I need one?

In your paddock, using a harrow will remove dead grass. Scarifying the soil surface will stimulate the growth of healthy new grass. If you’re re-seeding, you’ll need to till the soil surface first. All these things will help improve the grazing, and better grazing means happier horses!

If you need to harrow in awkward places (for example, reversing into corners) or easily move the harrow between paddocks, the Trailed version is for you (unless harrowing your tracks on a regular basis is a favourite pastime).

In your menage, the harrow can be used to quickly dress the surface.

Where do I use it?

Paddocks and menages. Never leave any implements out after use where animals can come into contact with them - you can work out why!

How does it work?

Hitch it to a suitable vehicle (an ATV is ideal for low ground pressure use, but a 4x4 or small tractor can easily be used) then tow the harrow round the paddock, ensuring the whole surface of the paddock is covered both lengthways and crossways.