Pasture Management and Equine Welfare

Pasture quality and management directly affects horse welfare through nutrition, exercise opportunity and mental stimulation.

Key Facts

UK grazing land for horses often poor quality — overgrazed, poached or weed-dominated
Lush spring grass contains rapidly fermentable carbohydrates — laminitis trigger
Strip grazing manages grass intake and prevents poaching of wet fields in winter
Horses require companionship — single grazing is a welfare concern
Ragwort in pasture is toxic — regular checking and removal is a welfare responsibility

Welfare Considerations

Pasture management failure has direct welfare consequences for horses. Overgrazing leaves inadequate food, while lush unmanaged grass causes laminitis. Poached, wet fields cause mud fever and hoof problems. Ragwort ingestion causes progressive liver failure. Horses grazing alone suffer socially. Good pasture management — rotation, resting, harrowing, weed control and appropriate stocking rates — is a fundamental equine welfare responsibility that extends across every season.

What You Can Do

Implement rotational grazing to maintain sward quality and prevent overgrazing
Check pastures regularly for ragwort and remove before it seeds
Manage spring grass access carefully for laminitis-prone horses and ponies
Ensure horses always have the company of at least one other equine on pasture
Seek advice from an equine nutritionist if pasture quality concerns arise