Horse Pasture Management for Welfare

Good pasture management is essential for horse welfare, affecting nutrition, behaviour, foot health and disease prevention throughout the year.

Key Facts

Horses evolved to graze for 16-18 hours per day on sparse, fibrous vegetation
Modern improved grass pastures are often too rich, contributing to laminitis and obesity
Horses on restricted pasture show frustration behaviours and increased stress
Track systems - narrow paths around field perimeters - allow movement while limiting grass intake
Pasture management includes harrowing, resting and topping to maintain appropriate grass quality
Horse droppings can harbour parasite larvae - regular removal or harrowing reduces parasite burden

Welfare Considerations

Pasture management directly affects horse welfare through its effects on nutrition, behaviour and health. Over-rich pastures cause laminitis, a painful foot condition, particularly in predisposed individuals (native breeds and those with equine metabolic syndrome). Too-restricted pasture access frustrates the fundamental need to graze and move, causing stress and stereotypies. Track systems offer an innovative solution that encourages movement and social interaction while limiting calorie intake. Matching pasture management to individual horse needs - breed, metabolic type, work level - is essential for good welfare.

What You Can Do

Assess pasture quality and quantity relative to your horse's nutritional needs with a vet or nutritionist
Consider installing a track system to allow movement while limiting lush grass intake
Implement regular removal of droppings from small paddocks to reduce parasite contamination
Rotate grazing areas to allow pasture recovery and reduce parasite burden
Monitor body condition score monthly and adjust management accordingly