We have about 8 acres of healthy bermudagrass mixed in with some native grass on our horse ranch north of Weatherford, Texas. We apply herbicide and fertilizer annually. This summer, because of the hot, dry weather, it was parched and dried out, with no new growth. However, after our recent rains, it has come back strong, and is now about 12 to 14 inches high. Because of the trees and terrain, it is not possible to cut and bale it, and our 5 horses can't keep it grazed down (a nice problem to have). They prefer to graze the same sections over and over, allowing them access to the tender new shoots which appear.

My question then, is: Is it better for the grass (and the horses) to mow it, causing more leaves to grow, or to just leave it alone, providing a lush, green look, but making the grass more "stemmy?"

I will appreciate your comments.