Companion Animals

Equine Field Welfare: Pasture Management and Safety

Horses and ponies kept at pasture require well-maintained, safe field environments that meet their social, nutritional, and physical welfare needs throughout the year.

Key Facts

Horses evolved to graze for up to 16 hours daily and have strong motivation to forage
Grass management determines the risk of laminitis and obesity in native ponies
Field hazards including ragwort, wire fencing, and plastic waste cause injuries and poisoning
Shelter provision is essential throughout the year particularly in winter
Social grouping with compatible companions meets equine social welfare needs

Welfare Considerations

Horses maintained at pasture without adequate shelter, appropriate companions, or safe fencing suffer welfare compromise that may not be immediately visible. Isolation causes stress and abnormal behaviour. Inappropriate grazing management causes laminitis in susceptible animals. Field safety inspection should be a regular routine welfare check.

What You Can Do

Inspect fields regularly for hazards including ragwort, debris, and fencing damage
Eradicate ragwort before it seeds as it causes fatal liver disease
Provide field shelter accessible to all horses in the group
Manage grass access for laminitis-prone animals through strip grazing or track systems
Ensure all horses have compatible companions and space to avoid conflict