Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Seasonal Pasture Management Welfare

Seasonal pasture management is critical to horse welfare, balancing nutritional needs against the risks of laminitis and metabolic disorders.

Key Facts

Spring grass is high in fructans that can trigger laminitis in susceptible horses
Strip grazing and restricted access are effective management tools for at-risk animals
Horses require access to grazing time for psychological welfare beyond nutritional needs
Bare paddocks during winter can increase mud fever risk and reduce welfare outcomes
Appropriate pasture management reduces veterinary costs and improves lifetime welfare

Welfare Considerations

Pasture management is one of the most nuanced aspects of horse and pony welfare because the same food source that provides psychological enrichment can cause serious illness in metabolically vulnerable animals. Understanding seasonal pasture risks and applying appropriate management strategies is an essential owner skill. One-size-fits-all grazing approaches fail both high-risk and low-risk horses.

What You Can Do

Learn about spring grass laminitis risk and appropriate management for your horse
Work with your vet or equine nutritionist to develop a pasture management plan
Advocate for laminitis prevention education as a core component of equine welfare outreach