As seen in Farm Weekly, 26/03/2026

For horse owners across Western Australia, pasture selection is about delivering a system that supports horse health, provides pasture persistence and long-term farm productivity.

Recognising these priorities IHSeeds developed Equi1st pasture mix, a science-based mix specifically designed for the nutritional needs of horses, while also being suitable for other livestock.

Traditional pasture systems, particularly those dominated by ryegrass, have long been valued for their productivity.

However, they can contain high levels of sugars and starch – frequently exceeding what horses are physiologically equipped to manage, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders, including laminitis, and ongoing management challenges for horse owners.

In contrast, Equi1st has been developed as a science-based mix that focuses on delivering a nutritionally balanced feed source with relatively low sugar and starch levels, moderate protein and high palatability.

The strength of the Equi1st mix lies in its species diversity, each contributing to both animal nutrition and pasture resilience.

By combining temperate and tropical species, Equi1st can provide year-round productivity, based on the availability of soil moisture, whilst maintaining consistent feed quality – an advantage that becomes particularly valuable under variable seasonal conditions.

Importantly, Equi1st is not just about what happens above ground as the diverse species composition also supports improved soil structure, reduced erosion risk and increased ground cover helping to suppress weeds.

For producers dealing with tired or weed-dominated paddocks, this presents a genuine opportunity to reset and rebuild pasture systems into something more productive and sustainable.

Prairie grass plays a key role in the blend, offering a highly palatable feed source with significantly lower sugar levels – typically between 10 and 15 per cent – compared to traditional ryegrass.

Its deep root system also enhances drought tolerance, making it a valuable component in variable rainfall environments.

Serradella complements this by providing a winter-active legume that contributes valuable protein to the diet while fixing nitrogen, improving soil fertility and supporting pasture sustainability.

Lucerne adds another layer of nutritional value, delivering high-quality protein and digestible fibre that supports gut health and sustained energy release in horses.

Meanwhile, perennial species Tall Fescue and Cocksfoot with their deep-rooted nature allows them to perform through dry periods while maintaining consistent feed supply providing persistent, hardy pasture capable of withstanding dry conditions and ongoing grazing pressure.

The inclusion of tropical grasses such as Teff and Rhodes grass extends production into the warmer months, with Rhodes grass in particular offering excellent resilience to heavy traffic and consistently low sugar content reinforcing Equi1st's position as a horse-safe pasture option.

Performance in the paddock ultimately determines the value of any pasture mix, and producers are reporting strong results boasting that previously unproductive paddocks have been converted into healthy, green pastures that not only support horses, alpacas and other livestock but also improved ground cover as a result of the diversity of annual and perennial species in the mix, in turn reducing soil loss and a reduction in supplementary feeding, highlighting the mix's ability to provide consistent, usable feed.

As with any pasture system, establishment and management are critical to long-term success.

Equi1st performs best when sown into a well-prepared seedbed with good seed-to-soil contact, adequate moisture (400mm+) and soil temperatures above 16°C.

Producers are advised to allow sufficient time for establishment before grazing – generally four to six months and longer on sandy soils to ensure strong root development and persistence.

Ongoing management, including rotational grazing and allowing adequate recovery between grazing events, will help maintain pasture productivity and longevity.

Simple practices such as mowing ungrazed clumps can also assist in maintaining species balance within the sward.

Equi1st offers a practical and well-considered solution to horse health, pasture performance, and environmental sustainability by prioritising nutritional suitability alongside resilience and soil improvement.

Contact your local farm supplier or Irwin Hunter & Co for more information regarding the extensive range of pasture seed and mixes.