5 benefits of track life
Making the track in two levels has proved beneficial. Walking up and down inclines builds muscle and keeps the extra weight off.
I am a huge proponent of keeping horses on track systems. They are a great way to provide a (slightly) more natural environment and increase the amount of movement horses get each day. Horses are born to move, so increasing movement is a crucial aspect of meeting their natural needs. Today I would like to share some of my personal observations about the benefits of track life.
Our two mares, who previously lived outside in a sand paddock, were moved to a track system a little over a year ago. The track they live on is very small, surfaced with sand. It includes some inclines, has three feeding stations, two water stations and a run-in-shed. We managed to fit the track onto a very small and uneven piece of land and it seems to be working really well. Here are five benefits I have noticed in the first year of their life on the track.
Our track is a little narrow, but since the two horses living on it get along, it seems to work for them. In general, it is a good idea to make the paths wider.
Better hoof quality. Both mares show improved hoof quality, more concavity, and more functional frogs. Previously one of the mares was struggling with thrush and all the issues associated with it. Since living on the track, we haven't had any thrush issues, despite a wetter-than-usual winter. Both have absolutely zero issues walking on gravel and have no need for hoof boots. They have been barefoot for most of their lives, but are only now starting to really function well.
Better body weight. One of the main reasons for moving to a track system was weight management. Previously both the mares had the tendency to be overweight, even though they were kept on a hay only diet. The increased movement really shows how much leaner and healthier they look. They are both more energetic and more willing to work.
Less conflict. Our two mares are not best friends. They live together, and they tolerate each other, but that's about it. Previously there was a lot of ear-pinning and squealing around feeding time. The younger one would eat first, and after ten minutes or so, she would let the older one near the hay pile. Since moving to the track, this kind of conflict has disappeared. Even though we have three feeding stations, they happily eat out of the same feeder.
Better dental balance. This one I find a bit puzzling. Our lovely equine dentist Sara Lolić dr.vet.med., MANZCVS (Equine Dentistry), came out and did their teeth about four months after we moved and surprised me by saying that their dental balance was much better than in the previous years. What surprised me, even more, is she said she often sees of positive changes in horses that move to a track system. The jury is still out on why exactly this is, but when we find out, you'll be the first to know.
More confidence. Our younger mare was always a bit spooky out on the trail. And once she spooked at something, her energy level would skyrocket and she would be nervous for the rest of the ride. Since living on the track, she has become much, much more confident. She is reliable and secure out on the trail and has no problem venturing out without her older companion. She is keen to head out for a trail ride and is an absolute pleasure to work with.
The run-in-shed on top of an incline provides a good lookout spot and a good place to rest.
I believe all of these benefits are directly connected to the increased amount of movement the track provides. By the time we moved, I had been a fan of track systems for a good few years, but I was still surprised at just how profound the changes were. I was not expecting that big a change on a track this small. If you are considering implementing a track system, but are worried that your property might be too small, think again. With some imagination, tracks can be implemented almost anywhere. Keep an eye out for future posts and YouTube videos on the topic of how to make a small track work for you.
*Disclaimer: These are not research-based facts, these are merely my own observations. More research needs to be done on the subject of health benefits of track systems.