Draft horses are used in some farming systems as a lower-carbon alternative to tractors, and their welfare in these contexts depends on workload management, training methods, and health care.
Draft horse welfare in agricultural settings depends on the knowledge and commitment of handlers. Appropriate workload matched to individual fitness, regular breaks, access to water, and good nutrition are foundational. Hoof care is particularly critical for horses working on hard or wet ground. Collar fit must be checked regularly as body condition changes with workload. Positive, relationship-based training methods produce better welfare outcomes than coercive approaches. Well-managed working draft horses can have excellent welfare and meaningful engagement - the key challenges are maintaining expertise in communities where horse working knowledge is becoming rare.