Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Grazing Welfare Science

Evidence-based management of horse grazing addresses welfare needs for continuous foraging while managing metabolic health risks from lush pasture and obesity.

Key Facts

Horses evolved to graze for 16-18 hours per day and have strong grazing motivation
Restricted grazing or complete removal of pasture causes significant welfare stress
Strip grazing allows pasture access management without complete removal
Track systems encouraging movement between grazing areas improve welfare and reduce obesity
Spring grass with high sugar content creates metabolic risks for susceptible horses

Welfare Considerations

Grazing management involves navigating genuine welfare tensions between horses' strong motivation for continuous foraging and metabolic risks from unrestricted lush pasture access. Solutions that allow managed grazing access rather than complete removal best serve welfare for all but the most metabolically compromised horses.

What You Can Do

Provide managed grazing rather than complete pasture restriction where possible
Use strip grazing or track systems to manage intake while maintaining grazing behaviour
Monitor horse body condition monthly to guide grazing management decisions