Equine Field Management: Welfare Through Pasture and Group Management

Field management for horses requires attention to pasture quality, group dynamics, and seasonal welfare challenges to support outdoor wellbeing.

Key Facts

Horses should have access to at least 0.4 hectares of pasture per horse for welfare
Mixed-species grazing with cattle or sheep improves pasture quality and parasite management
Seasonal grass sugar fluctuations create laminitis welfare risk for susceptible horses
Water availability and quality in fields is a basic welfare requirement
Shelter from wind and rain is essential welfare infrastructure for field-kept horses

Welfare Considerations

Field-kept horses require proactive management to ensure welfare throughout the year. Spring laminitis risk from high-sugar grass demands management changes including restricted grazing for susceptible horses. Summer fly pressure and heat require shade provision and fly management. Winter mud creates skin disease risk and reduces welfare through cold, wet conditions. Group dynamics in shared paddocks require monitoring to ensure subordinate horses have adequate food access. Regular inspection at least twice daily is a welfare requirement for all horses regardless of housing type. Well-managed field-kept horses can have excellent welfare through the welfare benefits of outdoor natural behaviour.

What You Can Do

Ensure adequate water provision in fields updated twice daily in hot weather
Provide field shelter from wind and rain as a minimum welfare requirement
Monitor body condition score monthly and adjust feeding accordingly
Check for and address mud fever and rain scald during autumn and winter
Manage field group dynamics to ensure all horses can access feed and water without bullying