Track system
An alternative way of managing horses in paddocks, the track system is taking the equine world by storm. Lauren Johnson of Graveney Equine explains how it works and the benefits it will bring to your horse
Discover the benefits of this trendy turnout regime
WITH ‘MAN MADE’ conditions such as laminitis, equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and obesity plaguing many horses today, owners are constantly looking for new ways to return their charges to a more natural way of living. We want to encourage more movement, grazing and browsing on appropriate forage, and herd dynamics that enable horses to eat, play, mutual groom and rest together. One way is the track system (also known as a paddock paradise), a way of managing horses based primarily on how they would live in the wild.
A track involves a series of wide pathways through or around pasture that will encourage roaming behaviour as the horses continually look for their next opportunity, be that for forage, shade, water, or scratching opportunities. It certainly doesn’t mean neglecting horses and leaving them to their own devices, but replicating those aspects of their home range that benefit their health.
One key part of this is increased movement. If you consider a healthy horse in the wild, they thrive when they are living in the way nature intended. These are the benefits we want to see in our own horses. Movement helps to build muscle, burn fat, stimulate the hooves and keep the gut active and moving. We’re helping the horse to be the most physically fit and able version of himself possible.