Life with the herd

The Benefits of Keeping Thoroughbreds and Shetland Ponies on a Dry Paddock with Constant Access to Good Quality Meadow Hay
(or the answer to “Why don’t those poor horses have any grass”).

When managing horses, one size certainly does not fit all—especially when it comes to feeding. Two of the most contrasting equine types, the Thoroughbred and the Shetland pony, often have vastly different dietary needs. Yet, there is one approach that can be surprisingly beneficial to both: housing them on a dry paddock with a consistent supply of good quality meadow hay.
This method removes the variability of grass grazing and introduces a more controlled, balanced, and safer way of feeding. Here’s why it’s worth considering for both high-energy Thoroughbreds and hardy native ponies like Shetlands.

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1. Nutritional Consistency and Control
Grass growth is inherently inconsistent. Seasonal changes, rainfall, soil quality, and pasture management all affect the sugar, protein, and fibre content in pasture. For sensitive horses, this variability can lead to digestive upsets or metabolic issues.
Feeding good quality meadow hay on a dry paddock provides complete control over your horse’s forage intake. You know exactly what they’re eating and can adjust their diet accordingly—something particularly important for:
• Thoroughbreds, who often require calorie-dense diets that still support gut health without the risk of digestive disturbances caused by abrupt pasture changes.
• Shetlands, who are extremely efficient foragers and prone to laminitis when grazing lush, high-sugar grass.

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2. Reduced Risk of Laminitis and Colic
For Shetland ponies especially, pasture can be dangerous. Rich spring or autumn grass often contains high levels of fructans and sugars, which can trigger laminitis—a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
On a dry paddock, sugar intake is managed. Meadow hay is typically lower in sugars than young, lush pasture, reducing the laminitis risk considerably.
For Thoroughbreds, sudden flushes of grass can upset their delicate digestive balance and increase the risk of colic. A hay-based diet and the ability to constantly move about offers a steadier intake of fermentable fibre, improving gut function and stability.

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3. Weight Management
Keeping a Shetland pony at a healthy weight is a constant challenge, especially when grass is abundant. On a dry paddock, calorie intake can be better regulated. Soaking hay, if needed, can further reduce sugar content for easy keepers.
For Thoroughbreds, the worry is often the opposite—maintaining condition. A constant supply of high-fibre, palatable hay helps meet their energy requirements while supporting a healthy hindgut. Because the hay is always available, there’s less risk of stress-related weight loss or stereotypic behaviors due to hunger or boredom.

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4. Reduced Risk of Pasture-Related Issues
A dry paddock provides a clean, safe, and stable environment. With proper footing and shelter, horses are less exposed to mud-related skin conditions or soft hoof walls, and the absence of pasture reduces parasite burdens.

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5. Encouragement of Natural Foraging Behavior
When hay is available ad lib in slow feeders or spread around the paddock, horses are encouraged to move and “graze” throughout the day.
This simulates natural foraging behavior and supports both mental and physical well-being.
For both breeds, this enrichment helps prevent boredom and supports healthy digestion. Ponies benefit from constant low-calorie nibbling, and Thoroughbreds benefit from the digestive stability of near-continuous intake.

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6. Harmonious Herd Management
Housing Shetland ponies and Thoroughbreds together on pasture can be tricky due to differing nutritional needs. Dry paddock living levels the playing field.
It’s easier to feed the Thoroughbred supplemental high-calorie feed and balancer without risking overfeeding the Shetland.
It also fosters safer group dynamics, as food competition and guarding behavior are reduced when hay is always available.

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Conclusion
While lush green fields might seem like the ideal image of horse keeping, the reality is that dry paddocks with consistent hay feeding offer a host of benefits—especially for breeds as diverse as Thoroughbreds and Shetlands.
Controlled nutrition, reduced health risks, and better behavioral outcomes all make this a smart, sustainable, and horse-friendly approach.

Whether you’re managing a spirited ex-racehorse or a savvy little native pony, your best pasture might just be… no pasture at all.

That’s why we do it how we do it.
Jo Wheatley
Shenanigan Stud Therapy Herd