Pasture Management for Horse Welfare

Good pasture management balances adequate grazing with protection from metabolic disease, parasite burden, and seasonal welfare risks; evidence-based pasture management is essential equine welfare practice.

Key Facts

Spring grass containing high non-structural carbohydrates triggers laminitis in susceptible horses
Overgrazing eliminates pasture variety reducing foraging interest and nutritional breadth
Parasite larvae on pasture are the primary source of gastrointestinal parasite infection
Track grazing systems provide movement opportunity while controlling grass intake

Welfare Considerations

Pasture management for horses requires balancing forage availability against the welfare risks of unrestricted access to high-sugar grass. Laminitis-prone horses require careful restriction during high-risk periods while maintaining adequate forage for digestive health. Parasite management through targeted treatment and pasture rest reduces reinfection. Track or paddock paradise systems that provide movement opportunity while controlling intake represent an innovative welfare-positive management approach for metabolically at-risk horses.

What You Can Do

Restrict laminitis-prone horse access to high-sugar grass during spring and drought recovery periods
Use targeted parasite monitoring through egg counts rather than routine calendar-based dosing
Consider track or strip grazing systems to provide movement opportunity while managing intake