Working Animals

Track Systems for Horse Welfare

Track systems — continuous movement tracks around field perimeters — provide enriched environments that allow horses to meet social and movement needs naturally.

Key Facts

Track systems use narrow tracks around field edges allowing controlled grazing and continuous movement
Horses on track systems show higher daily movement and lower obesity rates than paddock horses
Separation is reduced when multiple horses share tracks with access to central grazing strips
Track systems reduce laminitis risk through controlled grass access combined with movement opportunity

Welfare Considerations

Track systems address multiple horse welfare needs simultaneously: movement, social contact, foraging enrichment, and controlled nutrition. The horse can choose its movement pattern and grazing opportunities throughout the day rather than being restricted to a static area or fixed feeding point. Mimicking natural movement patterns through environmental design improves physical and psychological welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Consider a track system as a welfare and management improvement for land-based horse keeping
Support equestrian facilities that use track systems as a progressive welfare approach
Share evidence about track system benefits in equestrian communities
Advocate for track systems to be discussed in equine welfare training programs