Horse Pasture Management and Welfare

Pasture quality and management directly affects horse welfare. Providing appropriate grazing conditions supports natural behaviour and prevents metabolic disease.

Key Facts

Horses evolved to graze for 16-20 hours daily, covering extensive territories
UK grass can be dangerously rich in non-structural carbohydrates in spring and autumn
Laminitis from grass overconsumption affects approximately 7% of UK horses annually
Pasture management including track systems allows movement without excess grass intake
Over-grazing and poor pasture leads to worm burden and nutritional imbalance

Welfare Considerations

Pasture welfare is fundamental to equine health and behaviour. Horses denied adequate grazing time develop frustration, stereotypic behaviour and gastrointestinal problems. Pasture that is too rich causes metabolic disease. Poorly managed pasture with uneven grazing, parasitic burden and bare patches fails to meet behavioural needs even if physically present. Rotational grazing, track systems that encourage movement, strip grazing for laminitis-prone horses and regular faecal egg counting to guide worming treatment all contribute to welfare-positive pasture management.

What You Can Do

Implement rotational grazing to rest pastures and maintain sward quality
Test grass for non-structural carbohydrate levels in spring and autumn for laminitis-prone horses
Use faecal egg counting to guide targeted selective worming rather than blanket treatment
Consider track systems to increase movement opportunities while managing grass intake
Consult a nutritionist or equine vet about pasture management if metabolic issues arise