Horse Track Systems Explained with HorseWorld

At HorseWorld, the welfare of every horse is at the heart of what we do. From rescue and rehabilitation to education and advocacy, we’re always looking for practical, evidence-based ways to improve equine wellbeing.

One of the most effective tools we’ve found is the track system - a simple but transformative grazing setup that encourages horses to move more naturally, improving both their physical health and mental wellbeing.

What is a track system?

A track system is a specialised paddock layout designed to encourage horses to move more, forage with intention, and interact with their environment. Rather than grazing passively in a wide-open field, horses in a track system follow a network of fenced pathways that promote natural movement and exploration. Tracks also influence increased activity through herd dynamics, as the reduced space leads to horses naturally moving each other along.

Track systems mimic the natural movement patterns of wild horses, encouraging gentle exercise throughout the day. Horses walk longer distances to find forage, interact with their herd, and access water—just like they would in the wild. This low-impact activity supports joint health, builds muscle tone, stimulates the mind, and reduces the risk of obesity-related conditions like laminitis.

Why We Use Track Systems at HorseWorld

We currently manage three dedicated track systems at HorseWorld, each designed to meet the specific needs of our horses:

• The Hilly Track: Ideal for horses needing weight loss and increased muscle tone. The uneven terrain offers a natural workout

• The Flat Track: Perfect for older horses and those recovering from laminitis, with gentle surfaces that still promote movement

• The Shetland Track: A scaled-down version for our miniature equines, ensuring even the smallest members of our herd can benefit from this system

These tracks have become key parts of our rehabilitation and rehoming process. Visitors often see them in use and feel inspired to create their own at home, some even get ideas while meeting their future rehomed companions!

How you can set up a track system at home

1. Fencing: Use electric fencing or post-and-rail to form an inner fence, creating a track around the field’s perimeter. The middle section can be rested or used selectively.

2. Water placement: Position water at one end of the track (ideally at the top if the track is on a hill) to encourage horses to travel further distances which naturally increases movement. Distribute other resources, such as hay or shelter, at various points along the track to promote natural seeking behaviour.

3. Enrichment: Incorporate natural features like logs, forage, and herb gardens to stimulate natural behaviours and keep horses mentally engaged. Scratch posts offer satisfying grooming opportunities, while enrichment toys like the Shires ball feeders filled with horse-friendly treats can provide hours of entertainment!

4. Track width: Ensure your track is wide enough for multiple horses to pass each other safely. Narrow tracks can lead to conflict, especially with dominant herd members. It is important to also leave a couple of wider ‘loafing’ areas where there is enough space for horses to lay down and sleep, without being in the way of other herd members moving around.

5. Forage and grazing management: Depending on your horse’s needs, choose:

• A grass track with limited grazing

• A dirt track with hay provided (for laminitis-prone horses, a carefully managed dirt track with low-sugar hay is often the safest solution.)

• Or a hybrid approach that adjusts seasonally

Combining track systems with strip grazing

A flexible approach is to combine your track system with strip grazing by gradually moving the inner fence. This gives you greater control over grass intake and allows for tailored management of horses with different dietary needs.

You might also choose to 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. If using both areas simultaneously, ensure each section has essential resources, such as shelter, shade, and water. The middle section, in particular, may not have access to natural shelter, so appropriate provisions should be made.

Just be cautious as if the track becomes too grassy, it may no longer benefit horses at high risk of laminitis. In such cases, a well-managed dirt track with appropriate forage provided may be the safest alternative.

Consider designing your setup for seasonal flexibility - for example, placing gates near water and shelter so the middle area can be opened up for winter grazing. Regularly monitor your horses’ body condition and adjust the system as needed throughout the year.

A more natural way to care for your horse

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 too.

This blog post was written by the team of experts at HorseWorld in Bristol. HorseWorld is a horse rescue charity based in the South-West. For more information, please visit their website: