Links to Relevant Articles and Research

Living Environment, Housing and Management – This section brings together research examining housing systems, turnout, social grouping and environmental design. The studies explore how different management approaches influence movement patterns, behavioural expression and overall wellbeing.

Greening, L., Williams, J., & Mitson, K. (2017). A preliminary investigation comparing grazing and movement behaviour between a track paddock system and conventional paddock. (Conference paper, International Society for Equitation Science).

Synopsis: A small but early peer-reviewed study observing ponies in track versus conventional paddock systems. Results suggested track systems may promote grazing behaviours more similar to free-living horses, indicating potential welfare benefits, though further research was recommended. 

Hockenhull, J. & Creighton, E. (2015). The day-to-day management of UK leisure horses and prevalence of stable-related behavioural problems. Animal Welfare.

Synopsis: Although not a straight turnout vs stall experiment, this large survey of UK leisure horses found restricted turnout and stable-related routines were associated with high prevalence of behavioural problems and stereotypies, suggesting welfare costs linked to limited movement and social opportunities.

Jovanović, V., Vučinić, M., Voslarova, E. & Nenadović, K. (2024). Welfare assessment of stabled horses in five equestrian disciplines. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

Synopsis: Using welfare assessment protocols on 50 horses stabled individually, this study found high rates of stereotypic behaviours, insufficient social contact, and other welfare concerns (e.g., poor bedding, integument issues) in stable-housed horses, highlighting the challenges of traditional individual box systems. 

Kirton, R., Sandford, I., Raffan, E., et al. (2024). The impact of restricted grazing systems on the behaviour and welfare of ponies. Equine Veterinary Journal.

Synopsis: This research compared strip-grazing and track grazing effects on ponies’ behaviour and welfare. While body condition scores were similar over short periods, behavioural patterns differed, with indications that track systems may support more natural behaviours than strip grazing. 

Krueger, K., Esch, L., Farmer, K. & Marr, I. (2021). Basic needs in horses?—A literature review. Animals.

Synopsis: This peer-reviewed literature review synthesised 38 studies on horses’ basic needs (social contact, free movement, access to roughage). It found consistent evidence that restricting free movement and social contact (common in stabling) is associated with stress, abnormal behaviours, and reduced welfare, supporting turnout as welfare-important.

Lansade, L., Lemarchand, J. & Ruet, A. (2025). Shelter use in horses: Time spent indoors and factors of variation – Results from a one-year longitudinal study. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

Synopsis: Longitudinal field study of horses given choice between stall and pasture/shelter. Horses voluntarily spent only 3 h/day indoors, showing strong motivation for outdoor access (even when stall space was available) suggesting welfare is enhanced when horses choose movement outside enclosed stables. 

Robertson, T., Thomas, E., Starbuck, G., & Yarnell, K. (2024). Global distribution and gap analysis of equine housing research. Animal Welfare (Cambridge University Press).

Synopsis: This journal article reviews the global literature on equine housing systems (including turnout, pasture, and alternative systems like tracks). It identifies major research gaps and highlights welfare implications of different management regimes, aiding future welfare-oriented research design. 

Werhahn, K., et al. (2012). Behaviour of competition horses housed in single stalls with or without free exercise. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

Synopsis: Investigated behavioural differences in competition horses given no turnout, solitary turnout, or group turnout. Turnout increased locomotion and social behaviour compared to strictly stabled horses, and absence of free exercise was a stress factor; horses naturally seek interaction and movement. 

Forage, Feeding and Digestive Health – Here you will find studies relating to forage provision, feeding frequency, fibre intake and digestive physiology. These papers consider how feeding practices impact gastric health, metabolic function and longer term health outcomes.

Aristizabal, F.A., et al. (2014). The effect of a hay grid feeder on feed consumption and (gastric/feeding-related outcomes) in horses. Equine Veterinary Journal.

Synopsis: Study evaluating a forage presentation device (hay grid) and its effect on intake patterns (and discussion relevant to gastric health management). Helpful as evidence that how you present forage can change feeding behaviour and potentially support ulcer-preventive strategies.

Elia, J.B., Nielsen, B.D., Budgell, K.L. & Lyon, B.G. (2010). Motivation for hay: Effects of a pelleted diet on behaviour and welfare of horses. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

Synopsis: This experimental study showed that horses fed low-fibre, pellet/concentrate diets spent far less time eating and more time standing idle than horses fed hay diets. Horses on low fibre diets were more likely to display behaviours consistent with unmet foraging motivation and frustration. It provides direct evidence that hay and fibre intake satisfies natural foraging motivation in ways that concentrate diets do not. 

Goodwin, D., Davidson, H.P.D. & Harris, P. (2002). Foraging enrichment for stabled horses: effects on behaviour and welfare. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

Synopsis: Classic paper on how providing multiple forage sources / foraging enrichment changes behaviour in stabled horses, used widely in welfare discussions about foraging motivation, frustration, and stereotypies when forage access is restricted.

Glunk, E.C., et al. (2014). The Effect of Hay Net Design on Rate of Forage Consumption When Feeding Adult Horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

Synopsis: Tested hay nets with different hole sizes and measured time to consumption and dry matter intake rate. Smaller openings slowed intake meaningfully. 

Harris, P.A. (2017). Feeding conserved forage to horses: recent advances and recommendations. Animal.

Synopsis: This peer-reviewed review article summarises current scientific understanding of forage feeding (hay, haylage, silage) and strongly advocates for adequate and appropriate forage provision. It emphasises forage’s nutritional, digestive, and behavioural benefits, outlines forage quality and hygiene considerations, and provides applied recommendations for feeding forage as the core diet component.  

Muhonen, S., et al. (2023). Fibre composition and maturity of forage-based diets influence hindgut function, faecal water holding capacity and microbiome function in horses. Animals.

Synopsis: This peer-reviewed experiment compared grass forage diets with mixed forage/concentrate rations in high-performance horses and found that forage-rich diets improved faecal water-holding capacity, beneficial bacterial populations, and large intestine function without increasing body weight — indicating positive effects on hindgut health when forage is the primary feedstuff. 

Raspa, F., Peric, T., Marchetti, V. & Sgoifo Rossi, C. (2022). Does feeding management make a difference to behavioural activities and welfare of horses? Animals.

Synopsis: This controlled experiment compared horses fed a fibre-based diet with those fed a high-starch, concentrate-rich diet. Horses on the fibre diet spent more time performing natural feeding behaviour (a key welfare metric)  and showed fewer excitability behaviours. The authors concluded that diets rich in forage better support equine behavioural needs and overall welfare compared with high concentrate feeding strategies. 

Rochais, C., Henry, S. & Hausberger, M. (2018). “Hay-bags” and “Slow feeders”: Testing their impact on horse behaviour and welfare. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

Synopsis: Compared hay on the ground vs hay-bag vs slow feeder. Both devices increased time spent eating hay; importantly, the slow feeder reduced undesirable behaviours (including stereotypic-type behaviours) compared with some other methods. 

Roig-Pons, M., et al. (2025). Impact of feeding strategies on the welfare and behaviour of horses (slow-feeding vs portioned feeding). Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

Synopsis: Compared slow-feeding (ad lib hay covered by a net) versus multiple portioned feedings and assessed behavioural/welfare outcomes. Slow feeding aligned more closely with natural feeding behaviour and reduced negative social/agonistic interactions in their setting

Physical Health and Soundness – This section includes research on musculoskeletal health, hoof health, respiratory function and metabolic disease. The studies examine how management and lifestyle factors influence physical resilience and soundness.

Bamford, N.J., Potter, S.J., Baskerville, C.L., Harris, P.A. & Bailey, S.R. (2019). Influence of dietary restriction and low-intensity exercise on weight loss and insulin sensitivity in obese equids. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Synopsis: Diet restriction reduced weight, but diet + exercise significantly improved insulin sensitivity and inflammatory markers. Shows obesity management is not just cosmetic, it alters metabolic disease risk and shows the importance of daily movement.

Cornelissen, B.P., van Weeren, P.R., Ederveen, A.G. & Barneveld, A. (1999). Influence of exercise on bone mineral density of immature cortical and trabecular bone. Equine Veterinary Journal Supplement.

Synopsis: Box restriction delayed normal bone development, with compensatory improvement once exercise was reintroduced. Demonstrates that restricted early movement alters skeletal maturation.

Faramarzi, B., et al. (2009). Changes in growth of the hoof wall and hoof morphology in response to regular periods of trotting exercise in Standardbreds. American Journal of Veterinary Research.

Synopsis: Controlled exercise study assessing whether a structured trotting programme alters hoof growth and morphology. Mild exercise over 17 weeks produced no major changes in hoof wall growth/morphometrics, suggesting low-intensity work may not be a strong enough stimulus to drive measurable hoof adaptation indicating that some movement may not equal “enough” movement.

Firth, E.C. (2006). The response of bone, articular cartilage and tendon to exercise in the horse. Journal of Anatomy.

Synopsis: Review synthesising experimental work showing that bone density, cartilage development, and tendon structure adapt to mechanical loading. Lack of exercise compromises tissue development. Essential foundation paper for arguing that movement is a biological requirement, not enrichment.

Gordon, M.E., et al. (2009). Effects of dietary manipulation and exercise on weight loss and related indices of health in horses. Comparative Exercise Physiology.

Synopsis: Combined calorie restriction and exercise produced the greatest improvements in weight, fat thickness, and metabolic indicators. Reinforces that movement is protective in obesity management.

Hampson, B.A., Ramsey, G., Macintosh, A.M.H., Mills, P.C. & Pollitt, C.C. (2013). The feral horse foot. Part A: observational study of the effect of environment on the feral horse foot. Australian Veterinary Journal.

Synopsis: Observational study of feral horses across different environments showing hoof form varies with travel distance and substrate. Harder ground and greater travel distances were associated with shorter hoof walls and less flaring, supporting the idea that regular movement (plus natural wear) materially shapes hoof capsule form.

He, Y., Nadeau, J., Reed, S.A., Hoagland, T.A., Bushmich, S., Aborn, S., Jones, A.K. & Martin, D. (2020). The effect of season on muscle growth, fat deposition, travel patterns, and hoof growth of domestic young horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

Synopsis: This controlled study used GPS tracking to measure travel patterns and distances travelled seasonally in a group of young domestic horses and related these to hoof growth and body condition changes. Across seasons, horses travelled greater distances in spring and summer, and hoof growth was significantly greater in these seasons compared with winter. The results suggest that increased locomotion, even in normal pasture conditions, is associated with greater hoof growth rates, indicating that movement patterns (lot turnout and natural daily travel) may play a key role in hoof tissue development. 

Johnson, P.J. (2009). Medical implications of obesity in horses. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice.

Synopsis: Links obesity directly to insulin resistance, Equine Metabolic Syndrome, and laminitis, framing obesity as a major welfare and soundness risk rather than just excess weight. Supporting movement and slow feed forage as important factors in health.

Kjellberg, L., Dahlborn, K., Roepstorff, L. & Morgan, K. (2025). Frequency and nature of health issues among horses housed in an active open barn compared to single boxes—A field study. Equine Veterinary Journal.

Synopsis: Horses in active open barns (continuous voluntary movement) had lower rates of lameness and colic compared with singly boxed horses. While minor wounds were more frequent, training days lost did not increase. Strong practical evidence that less restrictive housing supports physical health.

Malone, S.R. & Davies, H.M.S. (2019). Changes in hoof shape during a seven-week period when horses were shod versus barefoot. Animals.

Synopsis: This crossover study (n = 11 horses) directly assessed the effects of hoof contact with substrate during movement (barefoot vs shod) over seven weeks. Horses ridden barefoot showed measurable changes in hoof shape such as increased hoof angle and differences in solar circumference and wear, compared with when they were shod. These changes are not solely due to trimming but appear to be a result of the natural hoof’s interaction with ground forces during movement. The findings support the idea that freedom of direct hoof-to-ground contact, and the movement that creates it, can influence hoof morphology and potentially hoof health outcomes.  

Mouncey, R., et al. (2024). Associations between turn out practices and rates of musculoskeletal disease and injury in Thoroughbred foals and yearlings. Equine Veterinary Journal.

Synopsis: Disruptions to turnout routines were associated with increased musculoskeletal injury. Larger pre-weaning turnout areas appeared protective. Strong evidence that consistent, adequate early movement influences soundness outcomes.

Rueda-Carrillo, G., et al. (2022). Comparison of the mineral profile of two types of horse diet (silage vs commercial concentrate) and their impacts on hoof tensile strength. Animals.

Synopsis: Diet-focused study comparing silage-based feeding with commercial concentrate, analysing mineral profiles and measuring hoof tensile strength. Linking feeding type and nutrient/mineral intake to measurable hoof material properties.

Behaviour, Stress and Welfare – Research in this section focuses on behavioural indicators, stress physiology and recognised measures of welfare. Topics include social interaction, stereotypic behaviour, time budgets and physiological markers.

Elia, J.B., Nielsen, B.D., Budgell, K.L. & Lyon, B.G. (2010). Motivation for hay: Effects of a pelleted diet on behaviour and welfare of horses. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

Synopsis: This experimental study showed that horses fed low-fibre, pellet/concentrate diets spent far less time eating and more time standing idle than horses fed hay diets. Horses on low fibre diets were more likely to display behaviours consistent with unmet foraging motivation and frustration. It provides direct evidence that hay and fibre intake satisfies natural foraging motivation in ways that concentrate diets do not. 

Jovanović, V., Vučinić, M., Voslarova, E. & Nenadović, K. (2024). Welfare assessment of stabled horses in five equestrian disciplines. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

Synopsis: Using welfare assessment protocols on 50 horses stabled individually, this study found high rates of stereotypic behaviours, insufficient social contact, and other welfare concerns (e.g., poor bedding, integument issues) in stable-housed horses, highlighting the challenges of traditional individual box systems. 

Lamanna, M., Buonaiuto, G., Colleluori, R., et al. (2025). Time-activity budget in horses and ponies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

Synopsis: This meta-analysis pooled data on horse behaviour across various management systems. It found that free-ranging and pasture turnout significantly increased feeding and locomotion behaviour, while stabled or restricted horses spent more time standing with less movement – indicators relevant to welfare assessment

Naydani, C. (2025). Exercise as a Welfare Strategy? Insights from horse owners in the UK. (Academic research thesis)

Synopsis: Investigates owner attitudes and reported welfare outcomes associated with providing turnout and exercise opportunities. It supports the idea that access to turnout and natural movement is associated with better welfare indicators and reduced frustration behaviours vs restricted stabling alone.

Raspa, F., Peric, T., Marchetti, V. & Sgoifo Rossi, C. (2022). Does feeding management make a difference to behavioural activities and welfare of horses? Animals.

Synopsis: This controlled experiment compared horses fed a fibre-based diet with those fed a high-starch, concentrate-rich diet. Horses on the fibre diet spent more time performing natural feeding behaviour (a key welfare metric) and showed fewer excitability behaviours. The authors concluded that diets rich in forage better support equine behavioural needs and overall welfare compared with high concentrate feeding strategies. 

Roig-Pons, M., et al. (2025). Impact of feeding strategies on the welfare and behaviour of horses (slow-feeding vs portioned feeding). Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

Synopsis: Compared slow-feeding (ad lib hay covered by a net) versus multiple portioned feedings and assessed behavioural/welfare outcomes. Slow feeding aligned more closely with natural feeding behaviour and reduced negative social/agonistic interactions in their setting

Werhahn, K., et al. (2012). Behaviour of competition horses housed in single stalls with or without free exercise. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

Synopsis: Investigated behavioural differences in competition horses given no turnout, solitary turnout, or group turnout. Turnout increased locomotion and social behaviour compared to strictly stabled horses, and absence of free exercise was a stress factor; horses naturally seek interaction and movement.