Tracking the Track: The Impact of Different Grazing Strategies on Managing Equine Obesity.

Abstract

Horses evolved to live in herds, continuously moving and foraging. Domestic horses often have limited social contact and movement, with high calorific intake, contributing to obesity. "Track grazing" is an increasingly popular management system, but evidence of its impact on weight management, behaviour, and welfare is limited. Horses (n = 19) resident at HorseWorld (UK) were observed July to October 2023, monitoring bodyweight (kg), Body Conditions Score (BCS), hoof health, behaviour, and welfare indicators. Horses on track grazing systems lost significantly more bodyweight (kg) (F(1,15) = 8.752, p = 0.010) than their restricted grazing counterparts, although this was not supported by BCS findings which may be ineffective for subtle body weight changes. Horses on track grazing systems lost (mean ± S.D.) 10.67 ± 9.9 kg from their starting weight, whereas those on the traditional paddock systems gained 6.8 ± 13.7 kg. Hoof health and general welfare assessment scores were maintained. More behaviours in "positive", "negative", and "neutral" categories were observed in paddock system horses than those on the track grazing system, although these differences were not statistically significant. These findings suggest that horses prone to bodyweight gain can be managed effectively using track grazing systems whilst maintaining health and welfare.