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Track systems are designed to mimic natural movement and behaviour patterns in our horses. Instead of vast open fields, horses live in a looped track that encourages constant, purposeful movement while limiting grazing (and calorie) access for improved weight management.
The main benefits of track systems for horses:
Aids weight management and digestive health.
Track systems are highly effective for weight management in horses as they naturally increase movement and control calorie intake without requiring restricted turnout.
Water, shelter and hay nets can be placed around the track to spread out foraging, and to prevent overeating, avoiding them bingeing in one location. Slower hay and grass intake can encourage healthy weight loss for those who need it.
Steady, low-level exercise throughout the day is ideal for burning calories without stress or risk of injury.
Promotes natural movement and herd behaviour
Horses are encouraged to move more throughout the day, which can lead to improved joint health and muscle tone. Living in social groups, mimics natural herd dynamics and can reduce stress, and improve training behaviour.
Supports hoof development
Through natural wear and tear, improved blood flow and by offering varying footing (gravel, sand, dirt, grass) you can see potential improvement in hoof strength while promoting heel-first landing.
Enhances mental stimulation
Track systems can offer environmental enrichment, varying terrain, obstacles, feeding and water stations, and social interaction. The opportunity to be outside reduces boredom and vices such as cribbing or weaving.
Supports metabolic issues
Encouraging steady, low-intensity exercise is ideal for weight management and reducing the risk of Laminitis. Horses prone to Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) benefit from continuous movement and managed access to grazing.
CASE STUDY - MANE CHANCE - BLUE CHIP CHARITY PARTNER
Mane Chance operate a track system with each field consisting of two or three circular tracks around a central area, the equine equivalent of an athletic stadium!
Varying in lengths of up to a mile, the tracks are made from wooden posts and electric fencing and have a gate system that enables easy access to the horses and the ability to move between tracks.
Each track is approximately 11 metres wide, which allows plenty of space for the horses.
Their track system (including longer grazing areas) allows Mane Chance to:
- Manage the amount of grass the horses have access to, according to their needs
- Support elderly thoroughbreds (named the "pre -eaters"). Needing higher calorie provision they are the first to graze it down
- Manage the ‘weight watcher’ types who graze after the thoroughbreds
- Repeats the process throughout the growing season around the entire site, without over-grazing or compaction
- Keep loops complete and circular, without any dead ends to ensure the maximum safety of the herd
- Offer flexibility in terms of managing horses’ weight and health but also in terms of managing the land so that it doesn’t become poached from over grazing
- Create low-calorie grass areas for their Shetland herd and horses prone to Laminitis or EMS
OTHER TOP TIPS
When integrating a new horse into a herd, having a track system means that you can put the new horse alongside an established herd. This is beneficial for observing reactions between horses, and usually leads to peaceful and uneventful integrations.
Use the central portion of the field during the winter, allowing the outer tracks to be ‘fed,’ harrowed and rested ready for the following summer.
Ensure each track has access to shelter as well as water, in the form of a large tree or a mobile field shelter which can be moved easily, if required.
Track systems also protect pasture by preventing overgrazing as the track can be fully customizable. Tracks can reduce mud and compaction of ground as horses tend not to stand in the same spot each day.
@bluechipfeed Why are more horse owners setting up track systems?🐴 ✔️More movement ✔️Supports weight management ✔️Reduces grass intake ✔️Promotes mental stimulation ✔️Fully customisable #horse #horseriding #equestrian #equine #horsefeed #bluechipfeed #pony #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #tracksystem #turnout #horsefield #horsesoftiktok #grass #paddock ♬ If You Need It - Moedani & Beyond Moments
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