Healthy soil and sustainable growing

[Laurie Ann Powell <laurie@powellclan.com>]

Thanks again, everyone, for the great information flying back and forth on this list! It's so helpful!

I'm working on beds for next season with Materials On Hand, and would like suggestions on whether there is anything in particular that is way out of balance.

I'm layering:

Cardboard
Feed Sacks
Fresh Horse Manure
Composted Goat Manure
Wood Chips
Last year's compost
Leaf mould 
Hu-more (a commercial product containing humate) 
Plastic sheet over all

Am I missing anything obvious for getting the best soil in the shortest time?

Also, a Horsey question: I know and can testify personally that horse manure heavily reseeds the grass and weeds they eat.  Ours seems to actually digest very little of what she eats, which I've heard is "normal" but I wonder. I notice that ours eats a lot, poops a lot, and is never satisfied. How did horses work in ages past if they needed to eat so much?

Is it possible that there is an enzyme shortage, just as most people have because of our pathetic food? Should I put making silage high on my priority list, for the sake of my horse, my garden and my goats, who have to share the pasture? Would it help?

Thanks, 
Laurie Ann