Weight and grazing management is a popular topic of conversation amongst horses owners, particularly at this time of year. It has long been suggested that track systems can enable us to manage grass intake and increase movement, helping us to manage weight. However, there has been little research to support the use of track systems, and give us unbiased data to help our understanding. This has just changed, with the publication of a peer-reviewed paper by Hartpury University and HorseWorld, in the scientific journal Animals.
What is a track system?
A track system is a commonly used management system, whereby a fenced ‘track’ is set out, often around the perimeter of a field. These are designed to increase movement and restrict grass intake. They are also thought to be beneficial in mimicking the horse’s natural grazing pattern, whereby they would cover long distances in search of forage.
Interest in this management system has increased recently, with obesity being a prevalent issue affecting equine health in recent years. Our understanding of the impacts of obesity on health and welfare, and how management can impact this is increasing, so this study investigating track system management comes at a pivotal time.
About the study
The study, called ‘Tracking the Track: The Impact of Different Grazing Strategies on Managing Equine Obesity’ by Cameron et al. (2025), investigated and monitored the effects of a track system on indicators such as body condition score, bodyweight, hoof health, and behaviour. Horses were monitored between July and October 2023 and observed twice weekly.
The 19 horses chosen to participate were between the ages of three and 26, of varying breeds, and all were known to be prone to weight gain or weight related issues. 13 horses were allocated to the track system, and six were kept on restricted paddock grazing.
All horses were weighed and body condition scored prior to the investigation, and monthly during. They also received farrier appointments before and during, where hoof quality was scored from 0-5, as well as assessments being made on growth rate, presence of cracks or splits, and presence of issues (such as thrush).
The results of the study showed that a track system can increase weight-loss without significantly impacting behaviour, hoof health, or general welfare. Horses kept on the track system lost, on average, 3.5% of their initial bodyweight, whilst those on restricted grazing gained an average of 1.5% bodyweight.
Track systems can therefore be considered a beneficial management regime for horses prone to obesity or weight-related issues.
Things to consider
If you are thinking of introducing a track system to your horse’s management regime, there are several things you will need to think about.
All horses are different, and what works for one, may not work for another. For example, a native breed who holds weight easily, might require different management to an older horse, of a breed that doesn’t hold weight as easily.
Restricting a horse’s grazing, either by providing less fresh forage, or removing it completely, can impact their daily vitamin and mineral intake. It is therefore important to supplement this to the diet with a fully comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplement.
Take Away
With obesity being such a prevalent issue affecting equine welfare, research like this is vital. By supporting anecdotal evidence with scientific evidence, we can move forward and utilize management systems that work to holistically support weight management and species-specific behaviour, whilst enhancing overall welfare.
You can find out more information about the study here: https://www.horseworld.org.uk/news/horseworlds-groundbreaking-study-offers-new-solutions-to-combat-equine-obesity/
Written by Anna Jones BSc (Hons) Equine Science - Customer Service Advisor