Grass for recreational use

Question 1

What disciplines is grass used as a surface for?

Answer 1

Racing, showjumping, driving, gallops, XC, polo, dressage

Question 2

Why is grass used as a surface?

Answer 2

• it is a natural surface
• less expensive than AWT
• the aesthetic
  A horse will slip more on a grass surface, which reduces the impact on joints and tendons, particularly during jumping and fast work.

Question 3

Why are AW surfaces used instead of grass?

Answer 3

• more consitent than grass
• easier to manage than grass
• weather resistant

Question 4

What are some particular features of surfaces needed for different disciplines?

Answer 4

XC - good drainage, firm but not too hard. Short but dense grass.
Polo - flat, even grass coverage, thick sward, good drainage, firm and not hard.
SJ - grass not too long, ideally flat (particularly around jumps), good drainage, good slip
Racing - needs some give around jumps, good drainage, short grass, no clover (seen as a weed and increases slip)

Question 5

What factors should be considered when choosing a surface?

Answer 5

• must be suitable for the discipline it is going to be used for - if turf, a suitable species of grass should be used
• consider the underlying root zone conditions
• consider the type and frequency of the sports played

Question 6

What affect does ground compaction have?

Answer 6

• limits root growth
• causes large divots
• means ground is slow to recover
• affects the going - the ground is much harder
• performances are restricted - much harder on the joints
• air, nutrients and water cannot get to the roots

Question 7

What are methods of ground maintenance?

Answer 7

1. Vertidraining - aerates the soil. Helps with drainage and faster absorption of water
2. Ground breaking - reduces compaction
3. Sand banding - firms the ground
4. Turf combing
5. Over seeding - to help get thick grass
6. Top dressing - putting sand on top of turf to get firm, dry, fast turf
7. Surface aeration - slifting
8. Stone burying - helps with drainage

Question 8

What is the significance of drainage?

Answer 8

• if there is poor drainage, the ground will become too wet, the soil will lose structure, there will be poor rooting and water logging
• if there is good drainage, these problems are eliminated - good drainage is over limestone and chalk bases (as opposed to something like clay)

Question 9

What mower should be used?

Answer 9

• gang mowers are used for polo pitches (close cut)

- rotary mowers are used racecourses (slightly longer)

Question 10

What is irrigation?

Answer 10

Irrigation is watering the ground. More is needed in the summer and for certain disciplines. Ensures good growth throughout the year

Question 11

When should renovation and reseeding take place?

Answer 11

• normally in autumn after heavy summer use
• grass seeds are usually sown directly into old turf using a slot seeder
• low P+K+N fertilizer applied
• rolling is completed after seeding

Question 12

What is thatch development?

Answer 12

The thatch is creating by mowing at a high level and giving a buffer between the surface and the soil

Question 13

What is the Netlon Advanced Turf System?

Answer 13

• interlocking mesh elements which grasses grow through
• they are not visible, are free draining and hard wearing
• enables root zone aeration which helps with root repair and growth
• reduces compaction