Track Systems

At HorseWorld, the welfare of every horse is at the heart of what we do. Part of our mission is to educate owners and carers on how to create healthier, more enriching environments for their equines. One highly effective way to do this is by using a track system; a grazing system that encourages horses to move more naturally, promoting physical health and mental wellbeing.

Encouraging Natural Behaviour with Track Systems

At HorseWorld, we are passionate about creating environments that promote the physical and mental wellbeing of horses. One method we use to achieve this is through track systems, a simple yet highly effective way to encourage natural behaviours such as movement and foraging.

What is a Track System?

A track system is a type of paddock layout designed to motivate horses to move more freely and interact with their surroundings. Instead of a traditional square or rectangular paddock, where horses may stand still and graze in one spot, a track system uses an inner fence, often electric, to create a loop or ‘track’ around the edge of the field.

This design mimics the more natural lifestyle horses would experience in the wild. Horses are encouraged to walk further distances in search of forage, promoting healthy activity levels, stimulating their minds, and helping to regulate their weight. By increasing movement and reducing the time spent grazing in one place, track systems can play a vital role in reducing the risk of conditions such as laminitis.

How We Use Track Systems at HorseWorld

At HorseWorld, we currently have three track systems, each tailored to the unique needs of the horses in our care:

• The Hilly Track: This more challenging track is ideal for horses that need active weight loss and muscle development, thanks to its varying terrain.
• The Flat Track: Designed with senior horses and those recovering from laminitis in mind, this track offers a gentler surface while still encouraging movement.
• The Shetland Track: A smaller version specifically for our mini equines, ensuring even the smallest members of our herd can benefit from this system.

When people visit HorseWorld as part of the rehoming process, they often see our track systems in action and learn about how they support horse welfare. Many of our rehomers have been inspired to create similar systems for their horses at home!

Setting Up a Track System

If you are considering setting up a track system, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Fencing: You will need additional fencing to create the inner boundary of your track. This can be electric fencing or permanent post and rail fencing, depending on your needs and budget.
• Water Placement: Positioning water troughs at one end of the track encourages horses to travel longer distances during the day to access water.
• Environmental Enrichment: To keep your horses mentally stimulated, consider incorporating a variety of features along the track. Rolling areas, scratching posts, different footing (such as woodland paths or sandy patches), and natural obstacles like logs or poles can all enrich their environment.
• Track Width: The number and type of horses using the track will influence how wide it should be. Wider tracks help prevent dominant horses from blocking more submissive ones, reducing the risk of conflict.
• Grazing Management: You can choose to create a grass track, a dirt track supplemented with hay, or a combination of both. The key is to manage grazing carefully, especially for horses prone to weight gain or laminitis.

Combining Track Systems with Strip Grazing

A flexible approach is to combine your track system with strip grazing. By gradually moving the inner fence, you can control how much fresh grass your horses access over time. You might also graze horses with different nutritional needs separately, using the inner paddock for those who require more grass, while keeping the track leaner for ‘good doers’ who need stricter weight control.

However, it is important to remember that a track system with too much grass may not be suitable for horses at high risk of laminitis. In these cases, a carefully managed dirt track with appropriate forage may be the safest option.

By implementing a track system, you can help your horse live a more natural and healthy lifestyle, while reducing the risk of weight-related health issues. At HorseWorld, we have seen first-hand how effective these systems can be, and we encourage you to consider how they might benefit your own horses.