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Equine veterinary journal2024; doi: 10.1111/evj.14411

The impact of restricted grazing systems on the behaviour and welfare of ponies.

Abstract: Equine obesity is a growing concern. Much of the current management advice centres on dietary restrictions, including the removal or limitation of grazing. Little is known about the impact of these approaches on the welfare of the horse. Objective: This study investigates the effect of two commonly used grazing systems advocated for the control of weight-the 'strip-grazing' and the 'track' systems-on the behaviour and welfare of outdoor-living ponies. Methods: A within-subject cross-over experimental design with four groups of pasture-kept ponies experiencing each system for 4 weeks in a random order. Methods: Time budgets and behavioural indicators of welfare were measured using 24-h electronic surveillance, morphometric parameters including weight, body condition score and cresty neck score were measured weekly and activity levels were tracked. The effect of grazing system on movement and behaviour was tested using a general linear model. Results: Ponies moved more [median (IQR) % time spent moving, track: 3.23% (2.08%), strip: 2.02% (0.90%); p = 0.001] and travelled a greater distance [median (IQR) metres/24 h, track: 7013.47 m (1761.49 m), strip: 5331.91 m (494.16 m); p < 0.001] and engaged in less overt agonistic behaviour on the track system compared with the strip system [median (IQR) prevalence per hour; track: 0.14 (0.30), strip: 0.21 (0.37) p = 0.02]. Conclusions: A relatively short time period of exposure to each grazing system. Conclusions: Ponies on strip systems moved less and exhibited increased agonistic interactions compared with the track system, maybe as a result of a perceived reduction in space or concentration of resources, although the accessible areas were matched. These results suggest that there may be physical as well as psychological health benefits to the track system.
© 2024 The Author(s). Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2024-09-14 PubMed ID: 39275860DOI: 10.1111/evj.14411Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research is about examining the effects of two restricted grazing systems, ‘strip-grazing’ and ‘track’ systems, on the welfare and behaviour of ponies. The study reveals that the track system is better for the ponies’ physical and mental wellbeing.

Objective of the Study

The driving force behind this research was primarily to explore the impact of two popular weight-control grazing systems known as the ‘strip-grazing’ and the ‘track’ method on ponies’ behavior and welfare. This necessity is stimulated by the alarming increase in equine obesity, prompting dietary restrictions and therefore, limitations on grazing.

Methodology

  • The researchers used a cross-over experimental design, whereby four groups of pasture-living ponies were exposed to each grazing system for a duration of four weeks varied randomly.
  • Data were collected on the ponies’ time budgets and behavioral indications of welfare through 24-hour electronic surveillance.
  • Regular weekly measurements of morphometric parameters (i.e., weight, body condition score, and cresty neck score) were done, and the ponies activities were tracked.
  • The investigators used a general linear model to examine the influence of the grazing systems on the ponies’ movement and behavior.

Results

  • The results indicated that ponies in the track system moved more, travelled a further distance and exhibited less overtly agonistic behavior than those in the strip system.
  • There was a significant increase in movement percentage and distance traveled in the track system. Additionally, the ponies engaged in fewer overt agonistic behaviors under this method compared to those in the strip system.

Conclusions

  • Considering the short duration of exposure to each grazing system in the study, the results clearly differentiated the behavioral patterns in the two different systems.
  • Ponies under the strip system moved less and displayed an increase in conflictive interactions compared to those in the track system. This could be attributable to a perceived reduction in space or concentration of resources in the strip system, even when accessible areas were identical.
  • Most noteworthy, the findings recommend the track system, suggesting both physical and psychological health benefits to the ponies.

Cite This Article

APA
Kirton R, Sandford I, Raffan E, Hallsworth S, Burman OHP, Morgan R. (2024). The impact of restricted grazing systems on the behaviour and welfare of ponies. Equine Vet J. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14411

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Kirton, Roxane
  • Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Norwich, UK.
  • School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK.
Sandford, Imogen
  • Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Raffan, Eleanor
  • Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Hallsworth, Sarah
  • Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Norwich, UK.
Burman, Oliver H P
  • School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK.
Morgan, Ruth
  • Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh, UK.
  • Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, UK.

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Cameron L, Challinor M, Armstrong S, Kennedy A, Hollister S, Fletcher K. Tracking the Track: The Impact of Different Grazing Strategies on Managing Equine Obesity. Animals (Basel) 2025 Mar 19;15(6).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15060874pubmed: 40150403google scholar: lookup
  2. Naydani CJ, Coombs T. Exercise as a welfare strategy? Insights from horse (Equus caballus) owners in the UK. Anim Welf 2025;34:e14.
    doi: 10.1017/awf.2025.11pubmed: 40071107google scholar: lookup
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