Horses evolved as grazing animals with an almost constant feeding behaviour, and management systems that restrict pasture access have significant welfare implications.
Stabling horses for long periods without adequate forage causes gastric acid accumulation leading to painful ulcers. Restricted movement leads to muscle deterioration and stereotypic behaviours including weaving and crib-biting. Maximising turnout, providing ad libitum forage, and ensuring social contact are fundamental welfare requirements that many kept horses do not receive.