Companion Animals

Horse Pasture Management and Welfare

Pasture management directly affects equine welfare through grass quality, parasite burden, toxic plant presence, and forage availability, with evidence-based approaches preventing common welfare problems.

Key Facts

Laminitis risk is highest on rapidly growing spring and autumn pastures
Overgrazing reduces sward diversity and increases weed and toxic plant establishment
Ragwort causes fatal liver disease and must be controlled on horse pastures
Resting and rotating pastures dramatically reduces reinfection with strongyle parasites
Strip grazing in winter protects sward while maintaining turnout for welfare benefits

Welfare Considerations

Poor pasture management causes laminitis, poisoning, and parasite disease. Good management prevents significant welfare problems while maintaining outdoor access.

What You Can Do

Restrict grazing on lush spring pasture for horses with laminitis risk
Control ragwort and other toxic plants through removal or grazing management
Implement rotational grazing to reduce parasite burden on pastures
Test grass fructan levels in high-risk seasons for metabolically susceptible horses