How do I Manage Sloping Equestrian Land?

[Moomin]

We have got 3 acres of sloping land which we will eventually use for grazing a horse and a pony.  It is in a real state having been overused and then left empty for the last 2 years.  Local contractors are in no hurry to assist as it is very steep in places.  We are thinking of buying a small 4WD tractor or else strimming and spraying by hand (major task!).  It is full of ragwort, docks and is horribly uneven as well as steep.  I've always been at livery before and never had to manage land myself.  Where do I start?  What is the timetable of actions and what equipment do I need?

[JAMES]

Sheep are your most economical answer.
Sheep, hand weeding and overseeding a suitable grass mixture over the spring and summer seasons. A small number of sheep (say 6 - 12) will control the top growth of any vegetation whilst knocking off high spots of ground without causing poaching or heavy damage to the soil structure. Any persistant weeds can be controlled by hand and if the sward is thin then one or two applications of grass seeds treaded in by the sheep will help fill out the bottom of the sward and prevent further weed invasion.