Converting space from horses to other livestock

We purchased a horse farm, but don't have much interest in keeping horses.  There are currently 5 paddocks next to the barns that are eroding badly, and we're working with the Soil and Water Conservation District to build the soil and stop the erosion.  They're recommending taking the fencing out from between the paddocks to merge them in to one long strip to make it easier to get equipment in there.

We're new at this and not sure what animals we'll want eventually.  It'll be small scale, whatever we do.  Maybe a cow or two, maybe goats, or sheep...  We're farming as a productive hobby more than as a means of income.  I know we'll have to upgrade the fencing for almost anything... Will we regret taking these internal fences down?  The posts are really sturdy.
If we wanted to separate future animals, would electric fencing be a reasonable option?

I'm attaching a picture that shows the current fencing.  The posts are very sturdy, sunk in concrete (I think) and the slats are vinyl.

I've removed lots of fences. I kept the posts. Then I can replace or move them wherever.

Up to you though. That fence would work for cows and goats so if you leave it up it just means less work later.

What are they saying you need to get in there? I'd just throw seed down and see what happens, but I'm lazy.

I am unsure of what equipment is needed also. Fences are easier to remove than to install so i would take a wait and see approach to that. Throwing seed out after a rain may be all that is needed.

The ability to separate is handy. Whether its separating a ram from the sheep to control when they birth, or a myriad of other scenarios.

You had stated a cow or two. It might be good to consider that herd animals are happier in groups. If it comes down to only having enough land for one cow, sheep may be a better option. Getting 3 weened cows short term might be viable. Raise them to slaughter, let the land rest, and do it again. Lots of options out there.

I'm excited to see what you decide.

If you're not familiar with Greg Judy, Youtube him and watch his stuff.  He's probably the most knowledgable person out there in the arena of rotational grazing and grass management.  He's taken hundreds of acres on old worn-out farms and regenerated them to be fertile and lush with biomass.  

My recommendation would be to invest in a couple of steers and a moveable electric fencing system so that you can keep your livestock moving on a daily basis, and give your land extended periods of rest between grazing.  Seed your land initially so that grass begins to grow this spring, and then lightly graze it by moving your stock daily (or even twice a day).  Grazing is good for the grass, but only if you are only allowing the cattle to eat a mouthful off the top -- not the entire plant (which they'll do if you leave them in too long).

Think of it this way: from now on, you are a grass farmer, not a livestock keeper.  Your foremost concern is the growth and management of your grass.  Joel Salatin and Gabe Brown are two others who have a lot of videos on this.  Spend a day or two watching their stuff on grass management and land regeneration and you'll learn a ton.

Best of luck.

I would think hard and long before I removed the fence.....unless it is thoroughly rotted out.  In terms of both money and labor,  fence is expensive.  I would begin with the least restrictive means of correcting the problem and work upward from there. Removing the fence would be one of the last measures I would take.