Managing pasture access is an important part of caring for many horses, particularly those that need their grass intake restricted or those living on pasture that is temporarily unsuitable.
A dry lot or track system can provide an alternative to unrestricted grazing while still allowing horses access to forage, movement, shelter and companionship.
These systems can be useful for horses prone to laminitis, horses with metabolic concerns or those that are particularly sensitive to certain pasture conditions. They can also help protect pasture when conditions are too wet, too dry or heavily grazed.
What Is a Dry Lot or Track System?
A dry lot is a grass-free area where your horse can be kept when pasture conditions are unsuitable or when grass intake needs to be restricted.
A dry lot could be a large yard, round pen, arena or another suitable area. It should provide enough space for the horse to move around comfortably, along with access to forage, water, shelter and companionship where possible.
A track system is different in that it uses a perimeter track around a paddock. Food, water, shelter and other resources can be positioned around the track to encourage horses to move between them.
A track can be completely grass-free or allow controlled access to grazing, depending on the individual horse and the purpose of the system.
Neither system necessarily means keeping a horse off grass all year. The aim is to provide greater control over pasture access when it is needed.
When Might a Dry Lot or Track Be Useful?
A dry lot or track system can be particularly useful when:
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Your horse needs restricted access to pasture.
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Grass is particularly lush or unsuitable for your horse.
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Your horse is prone to laminitis or has metabolic concerns.
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Pasture needs time to recover from grazing.
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The ground is too wet and continued grazing would damage the pasture.
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You need greater control over your horse's daily forage intake.
Not every horse needs restricted grazing, so management should be based on the individual horse, their body condition, health and the pasture available.
What Makes a Good Dry Lot?
A well-designed dry lot should provide the basic needs of the horse while allowing comfortable movement.
Ideally, it should have:
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Good drainage and, where necessary, an all-weather surface.
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Safe and secure fencing.
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Shade and/or shelter.
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Constant access to fresh water.
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Suitable hay and feeding areas.
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Enough space for the horse to move, rest and interact comfortably.
Give particular attention to areas around gates, shelters, water and feeders, as these can become muddy and heavily compacted.
Additional drainage or a suitable surface may be needed in high-traffic areas to keep them safe and usable during wet weather.
What Should a Horse Track System Include?
A track should encourage horses to move naturally around the available space while still providing everything they need.
Consider including:
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Hay stations positioned around the track.
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Water positioned away from the main feeding areas where practical.
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Shade and shelter.
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Safe, secure fencing.
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Wider areas where horses can comfortably turn, rest, roll and interact.
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Rounded corners rather than sharp angles.
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Safe footing with potential hazards removed.
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A layout without narrow dead-ends where horses could become trapped.
The track should be wide enough for the horses using it and should take into account the size and number of horses, the terrain and the condition of the surface.
How to Set Up a Horse Track
A track can be created using a permanent outer fence and a temporary or portable inner fence. This makes it possible to adjust the size and layout as your horse's needs or pasture conditions change.
Natural features such as trees, hills and rocky areas can be incorporated into the track where they are safe. Logs, rocks, sand areas and other suitable features can also provide variety and encourage exploration.
Positioning hay and water stations in different parts of the track can encourage horses to move between them rather than remaining in one area.
However, a track system isn't a magic solution for weight management. Its effectiveness depends on the individual horse, track design, feeding system, available pasture and overall management. Research into track systems is still developing.
How to Keep a Dry Lot Grass-Free
For horses that require complete grass restriction, particularly those with active or recurrent pasture-associated laminitis, the dry lot needs to remain genuinely grass-free.
This can be challenging, particularly after rain when grass and weeds can quickly appear around fence lines and in other areas.
Don't overlook small patches of grass growing under or through fences. Horses can go to considerable lengths to reach even small amounts of new growth.
Where necessary, bare areas can be covered with a suitable surface such as sand, wood products or another appropriate material. Pay particular attention to fence lines so horses cannot reach through to graze.
Fencing should be secure and horse-safe, with no gaps or materials that could trap a hoof.
Regularly check the area for new grass, weeds, damaged fencing and other hazards.
What Are the Benefits of a Track System?
A well-designed track can:
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Help control access to pasture.
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Encourage more movement throughout the day.
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Encourage horses to travel between feeding, water and resting areas.
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Provide a more interesting environment.
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Allow greater flexibility with grazing management.
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Help reduce the amount of time horses spend standing in one area.
The main benefit is that a track can combine controlled forage intake with opportunities for movement, rather than simply restricting a horse to a small area.
Feeding Horses on a Dry Lot or Track
When grass intake is restricted, it is important that the horse still receives adequate fibre, water and balanced nutrition.
Provide Suitable Hay
Horses need a suitable source of forage throughout the day. Slow-feeder hay nets can help extend eating time and encourage more natural feeding behaviour.
If your horse needs low-sugar or low-NSC hay, choose hay appropriate for their individual requirements. For horses with metabolic concerns or a history of laminitis, hay selection can be particularly important.
Provide Fresh Water
Clean, fresh drinking water should always be available.
Provide Appropriate Vitamins and Minerals
When there is little or no fresh grass in the diet, make sure the overall diet provides the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients your horse requires.
A suitable fibre-based feed such as clover-free oaten, straw, timothy or meadow chaff can be used as a carrier for supplements where appropriate.
Supreme MVA can be used to provide vitamins, minerals and amino acids where appropriate.
Consider Additional Feed According to Your Horse's Needs
Crushed linseed (flaxseed) can provide omega-3 fatty acids and may improve palatability. Copra or beet pulp may also be useful for some horses as a carrier for supplements.
Horses receiving little or no fresh grass may also require additional vitamin E, depending on the overall diet. Supreme MVA already provides vitamin E, so additional supplementation may not be necessary when it is being fed at the appropriate rate.
Not every horse needs additional calories. The amount and type of feed should be adjusted according to the horse's body condition, workload and individual nutritional requirements.
Don't Forget Salt
Horses should have access to adequate salt, particularly in hot weather or when sweating.
For horses on restricted pasture, assess the overall diet rather than simply adding multiple supplements. If you are unsure what your horse requires, seek advice from an appropriate equine health professional.
What If You Can't Get Your Horse Completely Off Grass?
If you are agisting and cannot create a dry lot or track, or your horse does not require complete grass restriction, there are still ways to manage pasture intake.
You can:
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Continue providing suitable hay to ensure adequate fibre intake.
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Monitor body condition regularly.
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Manage grazing time according to your horse's individual needs.
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Provide appropriate salt, vitamins and minerals.
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Consider a grazing muzzle where appropriate.
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Use suitable supplements where there is a specific nutritional or management reason for doing so.
For horses prone to laminitis or metabolic problems, restricting pasture access may be an important part of management, particularly when pasture NSC levels are high.
Creating a Suitable Environment for Your Horse
A dry lot or track system doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.
The goal is to provide greater control over grass intake while still allowing your horse access to adequate forage, movement, shelter, water and a safe environment.
With thoughtful planning, a dry lot or track can become much more than a place to restrict grazing. It can provide an environment that encourages natural movement and foraging while allowing you to better manage your horse's individual needs.