Track Systems are gaining popularity as a valuable tool for weight management and improving the welfare of horses. This innovative approach to managing horse grazing differs from traditional rectangular paddocks and encourages more natural movement and foraging behaviour.
Here are some key points to consider about track systems:
- Grass Intake Management: Track systems are designed to help reduce the intake of grass, which is a significant source of calories for leisure horses. This can be especially crucial for horses prone to conditions like laminitis, Cushing’s (PPID), EMS, and PSSM.
- Encouraging Movement: Unlike static paddocks that may encourage horses to stand in one spot and graze, track systems promote movement. Horses follow the track around the perimeter, encouraging exercise and natural foraging behaviour.
- Environmental Enrichment: Track systems can be enriched with various features like woodland areas, gravel paths, hills, rolling areas, scratching posts, and natural obstacles. These additions make the environment more engaging and mimic a horse’s natural habitat.
- Reduced Binge Eating: Track systems can help reduce the risk of binge eating, which can occur when horses are confined to limited grazing time or when restrictive methods like grazing muzzles are removed abruptly.
- Customization: The design and size of a track system can be tailored to your specific needs and the number of horses you have. Wider tracks may be necessary to prevent dominant horses from cornering more submissive ones.
- Grass Management: Depending on your goals, you can choose to provide supplementary forage on a dirt track or manage grass to maintain horses at an ideal body weight. Strip grazing can also be incorporated to control access to grass.
- Water Access: Placing water troughs strategically along the track system encourages horses to walk throughout the day for a drink, increasing their activity levels.
- Consider Horse Type: Take into account the type of horses you have when designing your track system. Thinner horses may benefit from more access to grass, while overweight or at-risk horses should have limited access.
- Alternative Weight Management: If setting up a track system is not feasible, there are other weight management strategies available, such as using grazing muzzles, strip grazing, turning out on sparse paddocks, rotational grazing, and limiting pasture time.
- Consulting Experts: If you’re uncertain about the best approach for managing your horse’s weight, it’s advisable to consult with equine veterinarians, nutritionists, or experienced horse professionals for guidance.
In conclusion, track systems are becoming increasingly popular as a tool for weight management and improving the overall well-being of horses. They provide an engaging environment that encourages movement and natural behaviour while helping control calorie intake from grass. However, the choice of a grazing management system should be tailored to the specific needs of your horses and your individual circumstances. Consulting with experts can help you make the best decision for your equine companions.
Providing shelters along a track system for horses is a practical and thoughtful addition to enhance their well-being and comfort. Our shelters can be towed into different positions using tow brackets and a tow chain. View our shelters online, CLICK HERE.
For more information on your horses weight management visit the Spillers Website.
