How well-managed pasture access improves equine welfare across physical, behavioral, and social dimensions.
Pasture access is the single environmental modification with the broadest positive welfare impact for horses. The combination of movement, grazing, social contact, and environmental enrichment that pasture provides addresses the most critical behavioral needs of the species simultaneously. The welfare case for maximizing pasture time is strong and well-evidenced, with documented benefits across digestive, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and psychological domains. Managing pasture appropriately — controlling quality to prevent obesity risk, managing parasites, and ensuring safe grazing groups — protects these welfare benefits while managing the risks.