By: Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS
When we think about our horses, we often consider the ground in terms of cross-country conditions - too hard and we risk jarring them; too soft and there’s a danger of pulling a muscle. However, we rarely stop to consider how soil quality and type play a crucial role in our horses’ long-term health and wellbeing. In the UK and Ireland, where soil types vary significantly across regions, understanding your land’s characteristics can greatly enhance pasture quality, hoof health, and overall land management.
Horses thrive on healthy, nutrient-rich pasture - but the soil type and quality directly impact what grows and how well it supports equine nutrition.
Well-draining and naturally fertile - ideal for nutrient-dense grasses like perennial ryegrass and timothy.
Supports a balanced forage intake, often reducing the need for supplementary feed.
However, these pastures are prone to overgrazing if not managed or rotated correctly.
Beware of high-quality grass sown for dairy cattle, which can contribute to equine obesity due to excess richness.
Poorly drained and prone to waterlogging.
Horses grazing on these soils are more likely to encounter wet, acidic conditions, increasing the risk of thrush, soft soles, and skin infections.
Pasture quality may be poor unless the land is improved with effective drainage or reseeded.
Rich in organic matter but often deficient in key nutrients.
May not support strong grass growth for horses in regular work unless supplemented.
Horses grazing on peat soils may experience low energy intake or insufficient weight gain without added forage or concentrates.
Poor-quality or waterlogged soils, like clay or peat, can impact pasture nutrition and increase the risk of digestive upset in grazing horses. Adding a gut-supportive feed like Pink Mash® can help maintain healthy digestion, especially where pasture is limited or mineral-deficient.
The mineral profile of your soil directly influences the nutrient value of the grass, and therefore your horse's health. If a mineral is lacking in the soil, it won't be present in the forage - a critical consideration for horses on full-time pasture.
Low copper: Especially in acidic or peaty soils. Can result in coat dullness, poor hoof quality, and developmental issues in foals.
Low selenium: Widespread in high-rainfall areas. A deficiency may cause muscle disorders, weakened immune function, or reduced fertility.
High iron: Excess iron can block the absorption of essential minerals like copper and zinc, leading to imbalances.
➡️ Tip: Test your soil and forage regularly to assess whether mineral supplementation is needed for your horse’s diet.
In wetter regions of the UK, or during prolonged winter periods, certain soil types intensify mud problems and affect hoof integrity.
Clay soils retain moisture and compact easily, forming deep mud, softening hooves, and increasing the risk of mud fever, thrush, or abscesses.
Sandy soils drain well but can dry out quickly, potentially causing hoof cracking or sand cracks.
Poor drainage results in uneven ground (rutting), increasing the risk of slips and soft tissue injuries.
Horses are heavy animals, and continual trampling , especially on wet or structurally weak soils, leads to soil compaction. This:
Restricts grass root development
Inhibits regrowth
Encourages weed invasion
Results in poor nutrient distribution and patchy pasture
To avoid these issues, rotate grazing areas, rest paddocks, and consider aerating compacted soil where necessary.
Soil conditions also affect the survival of parasitic larvae.
Moist clay or peaty soils can harbour larvae longer, increasing worm burden.
Dry, sandy soils, by contrast, reduce the survival of worm eggs.
➡️ Your worming strategy should consider not only your horse's routine but also the soil type and moisture levels of your grazing areas.
Understanding your soil type isn’t just for farmers, it’s essential for any horse owner committed to improving pasture quality, managing hoof and health issues, and sustaining land for long-term use. By learning more about the ground beneath your horse's hooves, you can make informed decisions that benefit their health, your pasture, and your wallet.
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