Pasture Management for Horse Welfare 2026

Pasture management is central to equine welfare, affecting nutrition, exercise, social behaviour, and the risk of metabolic conditions such as laminitis.

Key Facts

Horses evolved to graze for 16-18 hours per day, covering large distances over diverse terrain
Restricted grazing time and poor pasture management are linked to gastric ulcers and stereotypies in horses
Lush spring and autumn grass with high non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content triggers laminitis in susceptible horses
UK horse welfare assessments consistently identify overweight horses as a major welfare concern
Track systems and strip grazing can allow horses greater movement and social time while controlling intake

Welfare Considerations

Equine pasture welfare reflects the tension between horses natural grazing behaviour and the management requirements of modern horse ownership. Horses kept on small, overgrazed paddocks cannot express their natural grazing motivation, develop abnormal behaviours, and often suffer from gastric ulcers due to extended periods without forage. Horses on unrestricted lush pasture are at risk of laminitis and obesity. Welfare-conscious pasture management balances the horses need for movement, social interaction, and continuous forage access against the risks of overgrazing and metabolic overload. Track systems that encourage movement while limiting rich grass intake are gaining adoption as a welfare-positive management approach.

What You Can Do

Ensure your horse has access to adequate forage throughout the day - never more than 4-6 hours without forage
Consider a track system or strip grazing to improve movement and manage grass intake
Monitor body condition score monthly and adjust grazing accordingly
Seek veterinary advice about laminitis risk management if your horse has a history of the condition