Pasture access is fundamental to equine welfare, providing grazing, movement, and social interaction. Managing pasture quality, safety, and access patterns significantly impacts horse health and behaviour.
Pasture access is perhaps the single most impactful welfare provision for domesticated horses. The ability to graze continuously, move freely, and interact with herd mates satisfies fundamental behavioural needs that stabling alone cannot address. However, pasture management requires active attention to safety and nutritional appropriateness. Unrestricted access to lush spring grass causes laminitis in approximately 7-14% of horses and ponies — a genuinely painful hoof condition with welfare implications comparable to severe joint disease. Pasture management strategies including track systems, strip grazing, and safe fencing balance welfare benefits with individual health requirements. Removing toxic plants, ensuring appropriate drainage, and preventing overgrazing maintain the quality and safety of pasture access over time.